Pune: The family of Janardan Hambardikar, the driver accused of setting fire to a minibus in Pune’s Hinjewadi, has alleged that he is being wrongly implicated in the case. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of four IT employees, was initially believed to have been caused by a short circuit. However, further investigations led to the shocking revelation that the fire was allegedly set by Janardan himself, leading to his arrest.
While the police have charged him with premeditated murder and arson, his family has raised serious concerns about the investigation, claiming that his statement was recorded under questionable circumstances.
Family Questions the Validity of Janardan’s Confession
Janardan’s wife and brother have cast doubts on the police's approach, stating that his statement was taken when he was not in a stable condition. They argue that a confession obtained under such circumstances should not be considered valid.
The family has also made a startling revelation that Janardan’s own brother-in-law was among the passengers on the bus when it caught fire. They questioned, “Why would he take such a risk if his sister’s husband was on board?” This, they claim, is proof that he could not have committed the act intentionally.
Doubts Raised on Fire Incident and Investigation
In addition to questioning the validity of Janardan’s confession, the family has raised concerns about the circumstances of the fire. They pointed out that while four people tragically lost their lives, some passengers escaped unharmed.
“How did certain individuals get out of a burning bus without even a scratch? If Janardan had brought a chemical to start the fire, why did no one notice him carrying it?” the family asked.
Company Denies Allegations of Salary Dispute
One of the key aspects of Janardan’s confession was his claim that he committed the act due to grievances against his employer, Vyoma Graphics. He alleged that he was mistreated at work and that his Diwali salary had not been paid, which led to his anger.
However, the company has strongly refuted these claims. A company representative stated, “We are shocked by this incident and are fully cooperating with the police. Janardan’s allegations regarding salary are completely false. He was paid on time, and no wages were pending.”
Victims Had No Connection to the Driver’s Grievances
One of the most tragic aspects of the case is that the four individuals who lost their lives had no involvement in Janardan’s disputes with the company.
In his statement, Janardan admitted, “My anger was directed at certain individuals, but those who died were not among them. They lost their lives without any fault of their own. My only intention was to teach the company a lesson.”
