Panaji: The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has suspended its assistant depot manager Andrew Pereira in connection with an illegal liquor transport case that recently came to light. A Hyderabad-bound KTC bus, under Pereira’s jurisdiction, was intercepted by the prohibition and excise enforcement team of Telangana’s Medak division.
KTC managing director, Derek Pereira Neto, expressed disappointment in Pereira’s handling of the situation, stating, “The bus was in his jurisdiction and it is, therefore, his responsibility.Moreover, he was made aware of the drivers being detained for illegal transportation the very same day, yet he failed to inform the corporation authorities,” Neto said.
TOI had reported on January 9 that the KTC bus was intercepted by the Hyderabad enforcement team with a substantial haul of 70 bottles of alcohol during a routine vehicle inspection at the Kamkole toll plaza in Telangana. The driver, Ulhas Harmalkar, 52, and his associate, Abasaheb Rane, 51, were apprehended in connection with the illegal transportation.
In response to the violation, both drivers have been suspended pending further investigation. However, the KTC is currently facing challenges in the release of the bus from Telangana police custody.
“We have informed them that detaining the vehicle is irrational for a violation committed by the drivers. We have hence requested them to release the bus,” Neto said.
He added that the next course of action and the fate of the three suspended KTC personnel will be decided by the corporation following an investigation into the matter.
KTC managing director, Derek Pereira Neto, expressed disappointment in Pereira’s handling of the situation, stating, “The bus was in his jurisdiction and it is, therefore, his responsibility.Moreover, he was made aware of the drivers being detained for illegal transportation the very same day, yet he failed to inform the corporation authorities,” Neto said.
TOI had reported on January 9 that the KTC bus was intercepted by the Hyderabad enforcement team with a substantial haul of 70 bottles of alcohol during a routine vehicle inspection at the Kamkole toll plaza in Telangana. The driver, Ulhas Harmalkar, 52, and his associate, Abasaheb Rane, 51, were apprehended in connection with the illegal transportation.
In response to the violation, both drivers have been suspended pending further investigation. However, the KTC is currently facing challenges in the release of the bus from Telangana police custody.
“We have informed them that detaining the vehicle is irrational for a violation committed by the drivers. We have hence requested them to release the bus,” Neto said.
He added that the next course of action and the fate of the three suspended KTC personnel will be decided by the corporation following an investigation into the matter.