Jaisalmer Bus Tragedy: Driver, Owner Arrested; Toll Mounts To 22

Jodhpur: Rajasthan Police on Thursday arrested the driver and owner of the ill-fated bus that went up in flames in Jaisalmer, killing 22 passengers so far. Driver Shaukat and owner Turab Ali were detained for questioning on Wednesday night and were subsequently arrested, police said.

Jaisalmer SP Abhishek Shivhare said that two complaints — one by Chandan Singh, the brother of deceased Rajendra Singh Chauhan, and another by Jagdish, the brother of deceased Gopilal Darji — were lodged. Acting on them, police registered cases and initiated further proceedings in the matter.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to examine all aspects of the incident. Led by Jaisalmer ASP Kailashdan Jugtawat, the team includes DSP Roop Singh Inda, Nachana SHO Butaram, Sadar SHO Surjaram, and ASI Rajendra Kumar. The SIT will probe the cause of the fire, possible technical faults, the driver's role, and any criminal negligence.

Investigators will also look into the speed of the bus, its condition, and compliance with safety standards at the time of the accident. Shivhare said the preparation of the final probe report will be time-consuming, as multiple elements are under scrutiny. Since the bus was manufactured in Chittorgarh, details are being collected from the state. The investigation will include statements of the victims, forensic reports, and technical evidence.

Preliminary findings show 35 passengers were aboard the bus, of which 22 have died and 13 others were injured, who are currently being treated in Jodhpur. The DNA samples from 18 of the 19 recovered bodies have been obtained, with one pending confirmation. Legal action will be based on SIT's findings, which will determine whether the tragedy resulted from human error or mechanical failure.

Fomer Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot meets familes of the victims. (ETV Bharat)

The death toll rose to 22 after Bhaga Bano (54) died on Thursday morning. Hospital authorities said the deceased, Bhagu Bano (54) of Bamboron Ki Dhani, had suffered 80% burns and was on ventilator support. Five patients remain on ventilators, while postmortem and DNA procedures are underway.

District collector Gaurav Agarwal said the bodies of each person will be sent to their native village or residence with utmost respect and sensitivity. "The district administration is sending a government employee and a police constable with each ambulance to ensure there is no inconvenience or discomfort along the way. So far, 19 bodies have been identified, and DNA tests are being conducted for the remaining. The administration's priority is to provide every possible support and assistance to each family during this difficult time," he added.

Govt Announces Assistance

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday approved financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those killed in the tragedy. Families that lost three or more members in the tragedy will receive Rs 25 lakh each. For the seriously injured, assistance of Rs 2 lakh each has been sanctioned, while other injured individuals will receive Rs 1 lakh each.

The Prime Minister's Relief Fund had approved a solatium of Rs two lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Meanwhile, victims' families have held a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur, demanding higher compensation and refusing to accept the deceased bodies.

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