Bus driver arrested for running over 13-yr-old girl in Punjab

A private bus driver who ran over a 13-year old girl in Channu village has been arrested for negligent driving, police said today.
The victim, Arshdeep Kaur, was standing by the side of a road on Friday evening when a bus, allegedly belonging to an Akali leader, ran her over, they said.
"We have arrested the bus driver for negligent driving," Muktsar SSP Kuldeep Singh Chahal said.
The driver, Baljeet Singh, had fled after the accident, leaving the bus on the spot.
Enraged over the girl's death, her family members along with villagers kept the body on the accident site, demanding strict action against the driver and compensation.

Later that night, a clash erupted between police and the villagers who carried out a protest against the bus owner. They also refused to release the body for post-mortem and even set the bus on fire, police said.

"We have registered a case against unknown 20-25 people as the mob pelted stones at the police," the SSP said, adding, the girl's body was cremated last evening.
However, he said that the situation is now peaceful.
Meanwhile, Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Basant Garg, who is holding the additional charge of Muktsar DC, said, "A case of financial help for the victim's family has been moved to the state government which will be given as per the policy."

Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had mourned the girl's death and described it as an unfortunate incident. However, he had said that the law would take its own course in this matter.