Akhnoor bus tragedy: J&K transport department suspends six RTO officials; DM orders departmental inquiry | News from India

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has suspended six officials of the regional transport office in Kathua, Jammu, in connection with the Akhnoor bus accident in which 22 people were killed and 69 others injured on Thursday.

Transport Minister Niraj Kumar on Friday ordered immediate suspension of the six officials for alleged dereliction of duty until the investigation is completed. They have been posted to the office of the Jammu Transport Commissioner.

Jammu District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya also ordered a judicial inquiry and the report has to be submitted within a week.

After a high-level meeting chaired by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Ministry, the Transport Minister ordered an inquiry into the conduct and performance of the suspended officials. The inquiry will be headed by Parmvir Singh, Deputy Secretary (Technical), J&K Road Safety Council, who will submit a report with recommendations within a week.

The Jammu administration has set up a 24-hour helpline to provide information and assistance to the families of the victims.