Rider dies, friend hurt as private bus hits scooter in Jogeshwari

Mumbai: A 32-year-old rider was killed after a private tourist bus rear-ended his scooter and then ran over him in Jogeshwari on Sunday night. His friend, who was on the pillion, sustained injuries. Jogeshwari police lodged a case of negligence and rash driving against the bus driver.

The rider, Dipen Jain, was wearing a helmet.

Jain and the survivor, Kajal Madeshiya (26), first met six months ago after their profiles matched on a matrimonial app. In her statement to police, Madeshiya said the two became friends and met frequently.

On Sunday evening, the two met near Andheri railway station and went to Iskcon temple at Juhu on Jain’s scooter. Thereafter, they visited a Hanuman temple in Aarey Colony and spent over 1 hour there chatting. Around 7.30pm, they headed back for Andheri on the scooter.

Around 7.45pm, the two were on the southbound arm of Western Express Highway, on the JVLR flyover, when a private tourist bus rammed into the scooter from the rear. Due to the impact, the two-wheeler got dragged under the bus. Jain and Madeshiya were thrown off and Jain came under the rear wheel of the bus. Passersby gathered and got the bus to halt.

Jain suffered injuries to his head, ears, mouth and arms and was bleeding profusely. Madeshiya suffered injuries to both her knees. She helped Jain into an auto with the help of bystanders and rushed him to Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari. Jain succumbed to his injuries at the hospital at 8.15pm. His body was sent for an autopsy.

Based on Madeshiya’s statement, charges were invoked against the bus driver, Prasad Jadhav.