Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Jan 15,
The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Driver and Conductor Union has raised serious concerns over the ongoing inquiry into the alleged suicide of HRTC driver Sanjay Kumar, demanding the replacement of the current inquiry officer.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Union President Man Singh accused Divisional Manager (DM) Mandi, Vinod Kumar Thakur, of conducting a biased investigation aimed at protecting the Regional Manager of Dharampur Depot, who was accused of misconduct in a viral video by the deceased driver before his death.
The union expressed its dissatisfaction with the preliminary report submitted by DM Mandi, alleging that it failed to address key aspects of the case and lacked impartiality. Singh called for the appointment of a retired officer or judicial officer to lead the inquiry, ensuring a transparent and unbiased investigation into the circumstances leading to Sanjay Kumar’s tragic death. The union also alleged attempts to tamper with the investigation and stated that it could not trust the probe under the current inquiry officer’s leadership.
Also read: HRTC driver’s death and harassment claims spark investigation
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DM Mandi’s preliminary report, submitted on January 14, denied allegations of harassment by the Regional Manager Dharampur. According to the report, Sanjay Kumar was previously suspended for causing a bus accident in Rampur and was later reinstated in Dharampur on June 3, 2024. The report noted that the driver had been fined a minimal amount following a departmental inquiry into the accident. It further stated that Kumar had recently taken leave citing domestic issues and had not communicated directly with the Regional Manager before leaving duty.
Addressing allegations of withheld salaries, the report claimed that Kumar had been receiving his salary on time as per rules, contradicting claims made in the viral video. The report also highlighted that the family informed the Dharampur Depot on January 12 about Kumar’s suicide due to alleged poisoning.
Despite these findings, the union remains unconvinced, asserting that the preliminary investigation does not reflect the reality of the situation and appears to shield senior officials from accountability. They emphasized the need for an independent inquiry to uncover the truth and deliver justice to the deceased driver’s family.
Meanwhile the HRTC management has reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation while standing in solidarity with the grieving family.
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