Ahmedabad luxury bus driver booked for culpable homicide after youth killed by falling tree branch

A 24-year-old man riding a two-wheeler died after a tree branch fell on his head at Namaste Circle in Shahibaug on Sunday evening, allegedly dislodged it when an overloaded luxury bus passed by. Police have booked the bus driver for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The victim’s father, Kantibhai Vankar, a resident of Vraj Bhoomi Residency in New Naroda, in his complaint to Madhavpura police stated the luxury coach was carrying luggage stacked beyond permissible limits. As the bus negotiated a turn at Namaste Circle, the baggage struck a roadside tree branch, causing it to snap and fall on the youth, identified as Kirtan Vankar.

Kantibhai, who works as a security guard and lives in a joint family, said his son Kirtan worked as a coordinator with a private firm near Parimal Garden. On Sunday evening, around 7.30 pm, Kirtan was riding his Activa scooter towards Musasuhag cemetery when the incident occurred.

Kantibhai told police that he and his wife Geetaben were at home when their daughter Bhavika phoned them to inform of the accident. Rushing to the spot, they were directed to Vallabh Hospital, where doctors declared Kirtan dead during treatment.

Investigators said preliminary inquiries confirmed that the luxury bus was carrying excess luggage, which triggered the fatal accident. “Based on the father’s complaint, we have registered an offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the bus driver,” a Madhavpura police officer said.

Namaste Circle is a key halt for interstate and intercity luxury buses, second only to the Geeta Mandir bus stand. The heavy traffic of coaches often leads to congestion, making it difficult for two-wheelers and cars to navigate the stretch safely. Residents have long complained that when luxury buses park haphazardly, it creates a nightmare for other road users.

Police said further investigation is under way to identify the operator of the bus and verify whether it was flouting transport regulations.