Trichy Court Imposes Six-Year Prison Term on Bus Driver for Fatal 2017 Pilgrim Accident
A private bus driver has been sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by a court in Trichy for causing the deaths of three pilgrims in a tragic road accident that occurred in 2017. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Judicial Magistrate M Darvinmuthu, marking the conclusion of a lengthy legal process.
Details of the Fatal 2017 Accident
The incident took place on August 24, 2017, at approximately 10:00 PM on the Madurai–Chennai Bypass Road, near the Senthaneerpuram flyover. The bus, traveling from Trichy to Pattukkottai, was being driven at high speed by the accused, Veeramani. It collided with a group of about 20 pilgrims who were walking along the road toward Velankanni to participate in the annual festival.
The pilgrims, hailing from Edamalaipatti Pudur, were proceeding on foot and had taken precautions by walking on the extreme left side of the highway and using torchlights to ensure visibility in the dark. Despite these measures, the bus struck them, resulting in the immediate deaths of three individuals: Selvaraj, John, and Babu. Approximately a dozen other pilgrims sustained various injuries in the collision.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following the accident, the Traffic South police registered a case against driver Veeramani under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. The charges included Section 279 for rash driving, Section 337 for endangering human life, Section 338 for causing grievous hurt, and Section 304A for causing death by negligence. Veeramani was promptly arrested, and a thorough investigation was conducted.
The trial was held at the judicial magistrate court in Trichy. Public prosecutor B Venkatesan represented the state, while advocate R Padmanabhan appeared for the defense. After evaluating the evidence and arguments, Judge M Darvinmuthu found Veeramani guilty on all counts.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
In the verdict announced on Tuesday, Judge Darvinmuthu imposed a cumulative sentence of six years' imprisonment on Veeramani across the relevant sections of the IPC. Additionally, the driver was ordered to pay a total fine of ₹14,500. This decision underscores the judiciary's stance on holding negligent drivers accountable for road accidents that result in loss of life.
The case highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving on Indian highways, particularly in scenarios involving vulnerable pedestrians like pilgrims. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and exercising caution to prevent such tragedies.
