Coimbatore: Government bus driver suspended for drunken driving

Coimbatore: A 42-year-old government bus driver was suspended for operating the bus while drunk in Coimbatore.

According to a transport department source, a government bus along with 40 passengers started from the Singanallur bus stand in Coimbatore heading for Tiruchy on Tuesday night. Subramaniam, a native of Puliyoor in Karur district was driving the bus. Passengers saw him drive recklessly. While crossing the Ondipudhur overbridge in the suburbs of Coimbatore, the body of the bus allegedly rubbed the side walls of the bridge.

The driver also drove the bus at high speed, triggering panic among the commuters. While crossing Irugoor junction, the commuters stopped the bus after a heated quarrel with the driver and informed Singanallur police. A team of police rushed to the spot and confirmed that the bus driver was drunk. Police lodged a complaint against the driver under the Motor Vehicle Act. Simultaneously, transport officials from Kangeyam depot rushed to the spot, enquired, and sent a report to Transport higher officials immediately.

Alternative arrangements were made for the passengers to reach their destinations. Based on the report submitted by transport officials, Tirupur division MD Murugesan passed a suspension order on the driver. Further investigations are on.