Kannur: The driver of the bus that ran over and killed 5 people and injured 11 on Saturday evening has been booked for murder.
The 25-year-old-driver, Rudheesh, who had surrendered Friday night will be charged with murder for the grievous crime and not the usual charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder(IPC 304).
The driver has been charged with the harsh provision after it was learnt that he was informed of the break down, but paid no heed and showed no inclination to slow down the bus.
Five people, waiting for a bus after the one they were traveling in broke down, were killed and 11 others suffered injuries when an over speeding private bus recklessly drove into them, at Pilathara near Payyanur in Kannur, amid heavy rain.
The killed passengers had reportedly alighted the bus 'Poomala' after a tire punctured and were waiting for the next bus when they were run over.
Nine people, who were admitted to the Pariyaram Medical College, are reportedly in a critical condition. One of them has been shifted to Mengaluru.
The deceased have been identified as Musthafa, 58, from Pappinisseri, Zubaida ,45, a teacher from Puthiyangadi Jama-Ath School, her 18-year-old son Mufeed, Sujith Patteri, 35, a graphic designer and Kareem, 35, from Perumba.
Four bodies have been handed over to the relatives after autopsy at Pariyaram medical college.
The passengers who were witness to the accident said that Rudheesh was overspeeding and did not appear to have any inclination to slow down.
According to television reports, the victims were killed merely minutes after they got down from the bus that broke down.
A speeding 'Vigneswara', hit them from behind and later rammed into the stationary Poomala.
The driver of Vigneswara, Rutheesh, had escaped immediately after the accident but was later arrested by the police.