Santosh Mane - The infamous MSRTC bus driver
Zubin Kapadia
Seasoned HR & Admin Leader ?? Expert in Global Mobility ?? 30 Years of International Expertise ?? Problem Solver ??
Santosh Mane is a former bus driver who gained infamy for committing one of the deadliest vehicular homicides in #Mumbai's history.
The incident occurred on the morning of January 25, 2012. Mane, who was employed as a driver with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), hijacked a bus and went on a rampage, deliberately running over pedestrians and vehicles.
During his rampage, Santosh Mane drove the bus recklessly for over 40 kilometers, creating panic and chaos on the streets. He ignored traffic signals, drove on the wrong side of the road, and intentionally rammed into anything that came in his path. Several people were injured, and ultimately, ten people lost their lives in the incident.
The rampage finally came to an end when the police managed to stop the bus by puncturing its tires. Santosh Mane was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. He later confessed to his actions, stating that he was frustrated with his superiors and colleagues and wanted to teach them a lesson.
Here are some additional details about the case:
1. Motive and Mental Health: During investigations, it was revealed that Santosh Mane was dealing with several personal and professional issues at the time of the incident. He had been involved in disputes with his superiors and colleagues, which he claimed led to frustration and anger. Additionally, it was discovered that he had a history of mental health problems and had sought psychiatric treatment in the past.
2. The Rampage: On the morning of the incident, Santosh Mane boarded a bus at the Swargate depot in Pune, where he worked as a driver. Shortly after starting his shift, he took control of the bus and began driving recklessly. Mane drove at high speeds, ignored traffic signals, and deliberately rammed into vehicles and pedestrians, causing widespread panic and chaos on the streets. The rampage lasted for more than an hour, covering a distance of approximately 40 kilometers.
3. Fatalities and Injuries: Tragically, ten people lost their lives as a result of Santosh Mane's actions. The victims included pedestrians, motorcyclists, and other motorists who were caught in the path of the bus. Many others were injured, some critically, during the rampage. The incident left a lasting impact on the victims' families and the city as a whole.
4. Arrest and Trial: The police were alerted to the incident and launched a massive operation to bring the bus under control. They eventually managed to puncture the bus's tires and bring it to a stop. Santosh Mane was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, and other offenses.
5. Legal Proceedings: In 2013, a sessions court in Pune sentenced Santosh Mane to death after he was found guilty of the charges against him. However, in 2014, the Bombay High Court commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. The court considered factors such as his mental health condition and the possibility of reform.
The Santosh Mane case had a profound impact on public discourse surrounding mental health, road safety, and the accountability of individuals in high-stress professions. It highlighted the importance of providing support and resources to individuals dealing with mental health issues and emphasized the need for stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.