Govt suspends 6 officials following Akhnoor accident; orders in-depth enquiry

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended six officials, including a Motor Vehicle Inspector from the Regional Transport Office in Kathua, following a tragic bus accident near Tanda area of Akhnoor in Jammu district. The accident, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the lives of 22 pilgrims and injured 69 others.

The deceased included six children and eight women, while the injured comprised 17 children and 29 women. The pilgrims, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, were en route to the Shivkhori Shrine in Reasi district.

Meanwhile, an in-depth enquiry has also been initiated, with officials directed to submit a report within a week. Suspended officials include Ranjeev Bhasin, Motor Vehicle Inspector; Sumit Magotra, Junior Assistant; and four MTS staff: Ashwani Kumar, Aman Kumar, Keshav Singh, and Rakesh Kumar.

Parmvir Singh, Additional Secretary (Technical), Road Safety Council, J&K, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer.