Driver's family denies involvement in Pune bus fire

Pune: The family of Janardhan Humbardikar, the driver accused of setting a staff bus on fire, strongly denies the allegations made by police. Janardhan's wife, Neha, highlighted that her husband's brother-in-law was on the bus during the incident, raising doubts about his motive. She said, "It is difficult to believe that he will try to kill his own sister's husband." Neha reported that her brother-in-law suffered burn injuries while trying to escape the bus. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday. She mentioned that Janardhan had been unconscious due to his injuries and could not talk to anyone. Nevertheless, police claimed that he confessed to intentionally setting the fire to harm the passengers. Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad dismissed the family's claims. He alleged that Janardhan pretended to be unconscious but later admitted to planning the crime during questioning. The family argued that Janardhan had not shown any signs of stress or conflict at home. Neha explained that they had just enjoyed a family trip and he had provided for household expenses regularly. Janardhan’s brother, Vijay, defended him, stating that he was awarded for safe driving in a previous job and was not someone who would harm others. Neha expressed confusion about how Janardhan could respond to police questions while being unconscious. Local colleagues of Janardhan were shocked by the allegations. A security guard remarked that while Janardhan had his moments of anger, he always took care of stray dogs in the area, indicating a caring nature. Janardhan remains in the ICU at the hospital.