A 16-year-old boy, already facing multiple police cases, went on a violent rampage on Saturday afternoon in Mumbai’s Bhandup area, attacking a BEST bus with a sword and causing significant damage. The incident, which took place on Tank Road around 3:10 pm, left bystanders stunned and raised concerns about rising juvenile delinquency in the city.
According to visuals that surfaced on social media, the teenager, "screaming in a fit of rage," stopped the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus and began vandalising it with a sword. The youth allegedly threatened the driver, "wielding a sword" and using abusive language, while also attempting to stab him. The bus, which had departed from the Vikhroli depot and was operating on its regular route, suffered severe damage.
"He was driving the BEST bus which had left Vikhroli Bus Depot when the incident happened between 3:10 pm and 3:25 pm near Miniland Society in Tank Road area of Bhandup," an official confirmed.
The driver, identified as 42-year-old Dnyaneshwar Sawairam Rathod, filed a complaint stating that the teenager not only attacked him with the intention to kill but also threatened passengers and shouted abusive words in an indecipherable language. The total estimated loss, including damage to the bus, a nearby auto-rickshaw, and a water tanker, is around Rs 70,000.
The police detained the boy soon after the attack and sent him to a juvenile remand home. During questioning, he reportedly told the police he lost control after his uncle scolded and accused him of theft, according to Lokmat Times.
An official said, “He said that the teenage boy was previously involved in several cases under serious sections.” As per records, the youth has been charged in multiple prior cases for causing hurt and provoking breaches of peace. Authorities have now registered a fresh case against him under various sections, including criminal intimidation, criminal force, and use of dangerous weapons. He has also been booked under the Damage to Public Property Act and the Arms Act.