Murder, attempted murder charges filed against bus driver in Kala Oya bridge tragedy

By Upali Ananda

Colombo, Jan. 14 (Daily Mirror) - Charges of murder and attempted murder have been filed against a private bus driver accused of causing the deaths of two passengers and endangering the lives of 66 others, including a High Court Judge, after he attempted to drive a bus across the submerged Kala Oya bridge during severe flooding.

The suspect, identified as Nugaliyeddegedara Dhanushka Kumarasinghe of Saliyawewa, was remanded until January 21 by Nochchiyagama Magistrate P.R.I. Jameel when he was produced before court. Police informed court that the bus had plunged into the swollen river and was later swept away by the strong current.

Making submissions for the prosecution, the Thambuttegama Assistant Superintendent of Police said the suspect would be charged under Sections 296 and 300 of the Penal Code for murder and attempted murder. The prosecution alleged that the driver had continued to drive the bus despite repeated warnings from police officers and area residents that the bridge was underwater due to the overflowing river amid a disastrous situation.

Counsel appearing for the suspect argued that their client had no intention or motive to cause harm to the passengers and that it was unjustifiable to frame charges of murder and attempted murder against him. They requested that the charges be withdrawn and sought his release on bail under appropriate conditions.

The Magistrate, however, rejected the defence request and ruled that the case would proceed on the charges of murder and attempted murder. The court further informed the defence that they were at liberty to seek bail from the High Court.

OIC Rajangana police CI Ranasinghe, with several other police officers made submissions for the state while Attorney at Law Dushanthika Disanayake appeared for the suspect.

Attorneys at Law M.A.Sumanthiran and Chandrasiri Rajapakse watched the interests of the aggrieved party.