Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 20 November 2024
The Secretary of CPI(M) A&N State Organising Committee, D. Ayyappan, has called for urgent action following the tragic STS bus accident that claimed the lives of four individuals, including a minor boy, in Mayabunder on November 15, 2024. In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ayyappan highlighted the alleged negligence in the maintenance of the State Transport Services (STS) buses and the need for accountability.
Ayyappan expressed concern over the lack of proper inspections and the use of old buses that had exceeded their mandated period of service. He criticised the Transport Department for putting such buses into service, resulting in the fatal accident. “The incident that claimed four innocent lives speaks volumes about the mismanagement of government institutions under the current administration,” Ayyappan stated.
The letter further raised alarm over the lack of accountability, as no one had been held responsible for the incident even after four days. Ayyappan denounced the decision to conduct a low-level internal inquiry by two junior staff members of the Transport Department, calling it a mere formality that would not bring about meaningful changes.
Ayyappan has urged the Lt Governor to order a high-level inquiry into the accident by senior mechanical engineers from the APWD and Transport Department to prevent such incidents in the future. He also requested adequate compensation for the families of the victims and employment for the dependents.
This incident has highlighted long-standing concerns regarding the condition of state-run transport services, with growing calls for reforms and improved safety standards.