A bus driver in Pune set a bus on fire after not receiving his expected salary. Seeking revenge, he ignited the vehicle, resulting in the deaths of four employees and leaving several others injured. The police have registered a complaint and have begun an investigation, according to reports.

The driver, identified as Janardan Hambardekar, had planned the attack to target employees with whom he had conflicts. However, the victims of the fire were not the individuals he intended to harm.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Pune’s Hinjawadi area. The bus, owned by Vyoma Graphics, was transporting 14 employees to work when Hambardekar carried out his plan.

Investigations reveal that he had obtained benzene, a highly flammable chemical, and placed toner-wiping cloths inside the vehicle. As the bus neared Hinjawadi, he reportedly set the cloth on fire, causing the blaze to spread rapidly.

Eyewitnesses reported that the driver jumped out of the moving bus after igniting the fire. The vehicle, now out of control, continued for about 100 meters before coming to a stop. Hambardekar suffered burn injuries before escaping and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have confirmed that legal action will be taken against him once he recovers.

The four victims, Shankar Shinde (63), Rajan Chavan (42), Gurudas Lokare (45), and Subhash Bhosale (44), were seated at the back of the bus and could not escape in time as the flames spread quickly. Six other employees sustained burn injuries and are undergoing treatment.