In a significant development following the tragic accident near Bhandup station last month, the driver of the involved BEST bus has approached the sessions court seeking his release on bail. Santosh Sawant (52) has argued that the fatal incident, which claimed four lives, was a result of his attempt to avoid hitting other people and not intentional recklessness.
The Driver's Defense in the Bail Plea
In his application submitted through advocate Devendra Patil, Sawant presented several points to support his request for bail. He described the road near Bhandup station as notoriously narrow, crowded, and encroached upon by hawkers. The plea states that Sawant, a driver with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking for 14 years, suddenly encountered a rickshaw and pedestrians in his path.
"He tried to save the people in a rickshaw and pedestrians who suddenly came in front of him and he lost control of the bus," the plea claimed, framing the event as a tragic mishap rather than a deliberate act. Sawant emphasized his clean record, stating he has no past criminal history, no addictions, and no physical ailments that could impair driving. Furthermore, he asserted that no previous accident cases have been registered against him.
Contrasting Narratives: Defense vs. Police Case
The bail plea stands in stark contrast to the case filed by the Mumbai Police. According to the authorities, the incident on December 29, 2025, around 9 pm, was a case of dangerous driving. The police allege that Sawant, fully aware of the large crowd of passengers exiting Bhandup station and waiting at the bus stop, recklessly drove the bus at high speed while negotiating a curve.
This alleged negligence resulted in the bus ramming into pedestrians, leading to the death of four individuals and injuries to 11 others. Sawant was arrested shortly after the accident and has remained in judicial custody since.
Court Proceedings and Future Steps
Sawant's legal team has urged the court to consider his bail application favorably. They have highlighted that the investigation has reached a stage where witness statements have been recorded and necessary reports procured, reducing the risk of evidence tampering.
The plea also assured the court that Sawant, a permanent resident of Mumbai, poses no flight risk. "The accused is ready to abide by all the terms and conditions imposed by the court. Therefore, it is my humble request that the accused be released on bail," the application concluded. The sessions court has directed the public prosecutor to submit a reply to the bail plea, with the next hearing scheduled for January 13.
