Fri Mar 14 20:35:40 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Woman Killed in Reckless Bus Driving Accident

**KOCHI, March 15, 2025** – A 36-year-old woman was killed and her husband injured Friday in Kochi, Kerala, after a collision involving two private buses allegedly engaged in reckless competitive driving. Mary Sanitha, a Mundamveli resident, was riding pillion on her husband Lawrence’s two-wheeler when they were struck by the buses at Menaka Junction. Sanitha died at the scene, while Lawrence sustained injuries. The couple leaves behind two school-aged children.

Police report that the drivers of the two ‘Sajimon’ buses were racing, with one attempting to overtake the other near a bus stop. The two-wheeler was caught in the middle, resulting in the tragic accident. The driver of the bus that struck the couple fled the scene.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement against reckless private bus driving in Kochi. B.J. Antony, a retired senior deputy transport commissioner, criticized the state government’s inaction, citing a persistent problem with approximately 500 city permit buses. He emphasized the need for improved driver training and stricter enforcement by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and police.

Bijulal Ram, a former motor vehicle inspector, highlighted Section 136-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety measures like CCTV, speed guns, and body cameras. He advocated for more frequent driver training and increased surveillance.

While City Traffic Police (West) report issuing numerous citations daily for reckless driving, obstructive parking, and drunk driving, officials admit challenges in enforcement due to pressure from some bus operator organizations. An MVD official stated that improved qualifications for both operators and drivers are urgently needed.

K.B. Suneer of the Private Bus Operators’ Association condemned rash driving and noted that many of the offending buses are not affiliated with their organization, often leased to others, exacerbating the problem. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding reckless driving and inadequate enforcement in Kochi.

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