New Delhi: SUV driver who was involved in a tragic incident near a Delhi coaching centre has been granted bail on a bond of Rs 50,000. Earlier, Delhi Police informed the court that they decided to drop the severe charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the driver, Manuj Kathuria, in connection with the case that resulted in the death of three students.Kathuria drove his car on waterlogged streetThe incident occurred when Kathuria drove his SUV through a waterlogged street beside a coaching centre, causing rainwater to flood the buildings basement and tragically drowning three students. Initially, Kathuria faced charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, during further investigation, the police determined that this charge was not substantiated.Court allows bailAdditional Sessions Judge Rakesh Kumar heard Kathurias appeal against the previous denial of bail by a magisterial court. The bail is allowed, stated Judge Kumar, granting Kathuria release on bond.Booked under BNS section 105Explaining the decision to drop the severe charge, police stated, During further investigation, it has transpired that the ingredients of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) are not sufficiently established at this stage. They added that the primary offence now is under Sec 281 BNS (rash driving or riding on a public way), pending further expert assessment from an IIT-Delhi team.Kathuria was denied bail earlierOn Wednesday, the magisterial court had denied Kathurias bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and deeming the plea untenable at this stage. This decision came hours after a Delhi High Court bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, criticized the police investigation, questioning the rationale behind arresting the driver. What is Delhi Police doing Have they lost it This is a cover-up or what remarked the high court.Kathuria, basement owners was arrestedKathuria was arrested on Monday along with four co-owners of the basement. Earlier, a magisterial court had sent Raus IAS Study Circle owner Abhishek Gupta and coordinator Deshpal Singh to 14-day judicial custody.
