PERNEM
Two drivers and a conductor were arrested on Tuesday morning after an interstate bus sped past the Patradevi check post in an apparent bid to escape Covid-related checks at the border.
Pernem Police Inspector Jivba Dalvi said the incident took place at about 9.15 when a Maharashtra-registered interstate bus sped through the Patradevi check post in a rash and negligent manner.
A police team chased the bus and brought it back to the check post. Upon a check, all passengers either possessed a Covid negative certificate or had been vaccinated with both doses.
The police, however, took action as the bus had not stopped for checks and had violated guidelines laid down by the State government.
Police registered an FIR on the basis of a complaint by Executive Magistrate Satyawan Harji and the two bus drivers Samir Ambekar of Ratnagiri-Maharashtra and Sagun Naik of Aronda-Maharashtra along with the conductor Siddharth Shinde of Boriwali-Mumbai were placed under arrest for offences under Sections 269, 188 and 279 IPC.
Pernem police detained the private bus but made separate arrangements to ensure that all passengers reached their destinations. Further investigation is in progress.
