Kochi, 14 July (H.S.): A 12-year-old schoolboy was injured after he was thrown from a moving private bus in Cherai, prompting the Munambam Police to register a criminal case against the driver for alleged rash and negligent driving and for failing to assist the injured child.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near the Cherai Palli bus stop on the Paravur-Cherai Road. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the private bus, Sulthan, was allegedly operating with its rear door left open while carrying passengers. As the vehicle pulled away from the bus stop, the boy, identified as Sayand, reportedly lost his balance and fell onto the road through the open rear entrance.

Police said the child sustained multiple injuries, including abrasions and bruises to his face, chin, right elbow and knee. He was later provided medical treatment and is reported to be recovering.

Investigators have alleged that the driver neither stopped the bus after the child fell nor made any attempt to provide medical assistance or alert the police. Instead, the vehicle was allegedly driven away from the scene, leading to further legal action against the driver.

The case was registered based on the oral statement of the injured boy, which was recorded by police at his residence in Cherai in the presence of his father, Subi.

The driver has been booked under Sections 281 (rash driving), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 125(a) (causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Police have also invoked Sections 134(A) and 134(B) of the Motor Vehicles Act for allegedly failing to stop after the accident, provide medical aid to the injured victim and report the incident to the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Motor Vehicles Department has initiated a separate inquiry into the incident. Officials said notices would be issued to the driver, and disciplinary action, including suspension of the driver's licence and cancellation of the bus permit, would be considered if violations are established during the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman