Authorities have taken stringent action following the death of a seven-year-old student who fell from a dilapidated school bus operated by Mount Dev International School in the Dadon area. While a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the school manager and the bus driver, the Transport Department has suspended Aligarh RTO Vandana Singh and former Regional Inspector (Technical) Champalal over alleged administrative negligence. The driver has been arrested and is being sent to jail, while efforts are underway to trace the school manager.
The incident pertains to Dadon police station limits. Ananya, daughter of Ravi Kumar of Mudiyakheda village, was a UKG student at Mount Dev International School. She was returning home after school hours when the accident occurred. According to allegations, the bus was in a severely dilapidated condition, with a large hole in the floor beneath the rear seat above the back tyres. Near Nagla Banjara village in the Dholna area, the child reportedly fell through the damaged portion of the moving bus and came under the wheel. She died on the spot.
FCRF Launches Flagship Certified Fraud Investigator (CFI) Program
Family members stated that children inside the bus shouted to alert the driver, but he did not respond. It was only after a vehicle coming from behind overtook the bus and informed the driver that the vehicle was stopped. Allegations further state that instead of rushing the injured child to a hospital, the bus was halted at Malsai crossing and the family was informed. By the time her father reached the spot, she had succumbed.
Following the incident, angry villagers stopped the bus at Gangiri crossing and staged a protest. The driver was allegedly beaten up by the crowd, and traffic remained disrupted for nearly three hours. As the accident site fell within the Kasganj district boundary, the body was handed over to Kasganj police for post-mortem. However, the family expressed unwillingness to lodge a complaint there and instead submitted a written complaint at Gangiri police station, where a case of culpable homicide was registered against the school manager and driver.
District Basic Education Officer Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh has issued a show-cause notice to the school manager and principal. They have been directed to respond within a week, failing which the institution’s recognition may be cancelled. The action follows a report submitted by the Block Education Officer. The Education Department stated that the school displayed gross negligence regarding vehicle fitness, safety standards and mandatory documentation.
The Transport Department has also filed a separate complaint. It noted that the fitness certificate of the bus had expired, yet the vehicle continued to operate. Treating the lapse as a serious administrative failure, the government suspended RTO Vandana Singh and former Regional Inspector Champalal. Champalal is currently posted as ARTO in Siddharthnagar. Transport Commissioner Kinjil Singh stated that the officers have been charged with dereliction of duty and administrative laxity.
Ravi Kumar, the grieving father, alleged that he had repeatedly raised concerns during parent-teacher meetings about the poor condition of the bus. Issues such as a damaged roof, broken seats and the absence of a helper were highlighted, but no corrective steps were taken. He accused the management of knowingly operating an unsafe vehicle, leading to the loss of his daughter’s life.
Circle Officer Chharra Sanjeev Kumar Tomar confirmed that the driver has been arrested and a search is ongoing for the school manager. He added that investigations are also examining the Transport Department’s complaint and other related aspects. Senior officials from the police and transport departments visited the site and reviewed the matter in view of its seriousness.
The tragedy has once again raised pressing concerns about the safety and fitness monitoring of school transport vehicles. The bereaved family and local residents have demanded a comprehensive inspection drive for all school buses and strict action against those found responsible.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
