Police officers investigating the Bhandup BEST bus mishap have said that the arrested driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant, continued to deny responsibility during his interrogation over the past two days, claiming the accident occurred due to a lapse by the previous driver who allegedly left the handbrake engaged. However, police said that as per protocol, it was Sawant’s responsibility to conduct a mandatory pre-departure check of the vehicle before taking it on the road.

“Regardless of what the previous driver may have done, the driver starting the shift is required to check the condition of the vehicle, including the handbrake,” said Balasaheb Pawar, senior police inspector, Bhandup police. Previously, police had said that brake failure could be the reason for the crash.