Hyderabad Police Chief Calls Drunk Drivers ‘Terrorists’ After Kurnool Bus Tragedy
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. S. Sajjanar has declared drunk drivers “terrorists” following the devastating Kurnool bus fire that killed 20 people. The police chief’s strong statement comes as investigation reveals an intoxicated biker caused the collision that triggered the deadly inferno.
Key Takeaways
- 20 people died in a horrific bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
- Hyderabad Police Commissioner calls drunk drivers “terrorists”
- Intoxicated biker caused collision that led to fire
- Bus was carrying 234 smartphones whose batteries exploded
- Police file cases against both biker and bus driver
Police Chief’s Strong Stance
Commissioner Sajjanar described drunk driving as “acts of terror on the roads” and a “criminal act of negligence” in a social media post. He emphasized that the Hyderabad Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward drink-driving.
“Drunk drivers are terrorists. Period,” Sajjanar wrote on X. “The horrific Kurnool bus accident was not an accident in the truest sense. It was a preventable massacre caused by the reckless behaviour of an intoxicated biker.”
CCTV footage showed the biker, B. Shiva Shankar, refuelling his motorcycle at 2:24 a.m., just 15 minutes before the fatal collision at 2:39 a.m. “His decision to drive drunk turned a moment of arrogance into a tragedy of unimaginable scale,” the Commissioner added.
Case Details Against Biker
Police registered a case of reckless driving against Shiva Shankar, who died after losing control of his motorcycle and colliding with the bus. The pillion rider, Erriswami, survived with minor injuries.
A viral video shows Shankar struggling to balance his bike after refuelling, with authorities confirming he was intoxicated. The FIR confirms both men had consumed alcohol before their journey.
What Caused the Deadly Fire?
Forensic experts revealed the bus was carrying 234 smartphones worth approximately Rs 46 lakh. The lithium-ion batteries in these devices exploded after the initial fire, rapidly engulfing the passenger cabin.
Investigators found the motorcycle became trapped under the bus, causing a fuel leak that ignited upon contact with sparks. The intense heat melted the bus’s aluminium flooring, worsening the devastation.
The smartphone consignment and the bus’s own battery pack accelerated the blaze, according to fire department reports.
Legal Action Against Bus Driver
Police have also filed a case against bus driver Lakshmaiah for negligence and overspeeding under Sections 125(a) and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both the driver and his assistant, Siva Narayana, remain in police custody.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws across the country.
