PUNE: About 40 passengers travelling in a Pune Mahamandal Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus had a narrow escape, as the driver was driving the bus dangerously under influence of alcohol. The incident took place on the Katraj-Kothrud route on Sunday afternoon at 1.00 pm.

After being alerted by passengers, Pune police traffic branch officials caught hold of the driver Chandrashekhar Ahirarao.

According to officials, the bus was going from Katraj to Kothrud. The passengers had some doubt about the driver, as he was driving rashly. He had lost control over the wheel once but they ignored it. However, they soon realised that he was under influence of alcohol and made him stop the bus near Padmavati. They called the police, who detained the driver. However, no FIR was registered against him till late Sunday evening. 

A spokesperson for PMPML said that the bus was hired from a private contractor. “We have taken the issue very seriously. A major disaster was averted by the passengers and the conductor. The depot manager has issued a show cause notice to the contractor. We have been told that the driver has been removed from service,” said Subhash Gaikwad, Pune Mahamandal Parivahan Mahamandal Limited spokesperson.