Bus rampage incident: Pune traffic cops demand equipment

Traffic police in Pune have said the availability of equipment like spike strips could have brought in control last week's incident, in which, an ST bus driver went on a rampage killing 8 persons and injuring 27 others.

"We are not equipped with latest technology and equipment to check such crimes. Had we got spike strips, we could have punctured the tyres of the vehicle on the spot and the incident could have been controlled. We are now much more aware of these things and will demand the equipment for future," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare said.

"We have a backlog of patrolling jeeps. Had we got these vehicles, we would have definitely caught Santosh Mane, driver of the bus, who went berserk. Our traffic officers need patrolling jeeps which are well equipped with latest equipment," he said.

"We have very limited role in this regard. This type of incidents are very rare. This is the organisation with limited staff. Also research work takes much time," Managing Director of Centre for Police Research,(CPR) AV Krishnan said.

"Whenever such incidents happen, the concerned authorities pretend to do something, but it remains on paper and after due course of time, everybody forgets about it," Social activist Vijay Kumbhar said.