Akhnoor bus tragedy: J&K transport dept suspends 6 RTO officials; DM orders magisterial probe

Jammu: The J&K transport department has suspended six officials of the regional transport office in Kathua, Jammu, in connection with the bus accident at Akhnoor that claimed 22 lives and injured 69 others on Thursday. Transport secretary Niraj Kumar Friday ordered the six officials to be suspended with immediate effect for alleged dereliction of duty, pending inquiry.They have been attached to the office of the Jammu transport commissioner.
A magisterial probe was also ordered by Jammu district magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya. The report has to be submitted within a week.
Following a high-level meeting chaired by principal secretary, home, Chandraker Bharti, the transport secretary ordered an inquiry into the conduct and performance of the suspended officials. The probe will be led by Parmvir Singh, additional 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 relatives of the victims.