Mumbai: The driver of the BEST bus that rammed into pedestrians near Bhandup station on Dec 29, killing four, has moved the sessions court seeking bail on the grounds the mishap was the result of an attempt to save lives.Santosh Sawant (52), in his plea, stated that the station road was narrow, crowded, and encroached upon by hawkers. He claimed that “he tried to save the people in a rickshaw and pedestrians who suddenly came in front of him and he lost control of the bus”.The plea submitted by advocate Devendra Patil further stated: “The accused did not cause this accident intentionally and has not committed any crime in the past.”A BEST driver for 14 years, Sawant also submitted that he does not have any addiction or physical problems. “Also, no accident case has been registered against him in the past,” the plea said. Sawant claimed he is innocent and the case has been registered against him due to false and malicious reasons.The bail plea further said that the statements of witnesses have been recorded and the necessary reports procured. It was also submitted that Sawant is a permanent resident of the city and there is no possibility of him absconding, destroying evidence or pressuring witnesses. “The accused is ready to abide by all the terms and conditions imposed by the court. Therefore, it is my humble request that the accused be released on bail,” the plea stated.The court has directed the prosecutor to submit its reply on Jan 13.It was the police’s case that on Dec 29, 2025, around 9pm, Sawant, while being aware that there was a huge crowd of passengers coming out of Bhandup station and waiting at the bus stop, recklessly drove the bus at a high speed through the curve, causing the death of four and injuring 11 others. Sawant was arrested soon after the incident. He is currently in judicial custody.
