NHRC member alleges Punjab government negligence in Tarn Taran bus accident
National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo claims the state failed to act on safety warnings regarding sleeper-coach buses.
Four people, including three pilgrims and one motorcycle pillion rider, were killed on Saturday evening when two pilgrimage buses collided on National Highway-54 near Naushehra Pannuan in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, according to reports from PTI and ANI.
The collision occurred when a bus driver attempted to avoid a motorcycle coming from the wrong side, causing the vehicle to cross the road divider and crash into an oncoming bus. One bus was travelling from Faridkot to Amritsar, while the other was heading from Amritsar to Muktsar.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo alleged on Sunday that the deaths resulted from the Punjab government's criminal negligence. Kanoongo stated that the NHRC had alerted all state governments in October 2025 regarding sleeper-coach buses violating safety norms.
Kanoongo cited a report by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, which noted that structural modifications to such buses affect balance and passenger safety. He alleged that the Punjab government previously claimed there were no such buses in the state.
Kanoongo further claimed that instead of taking corrective measures, the Punjab government, particularly Arvind Kejriwal, made baseless and disrespectful allegations against the NHRC. He said the Commission had repeatedly urged the state not to risk lives.
Punjab Chief Minister Mann expressed sadness over the accident on X, stating that officials were instructed to ensure the injured receive the best medical treatment. At least 18 people were injured in the accident, with four in critical condition at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar.