BEST Bus Hits and Kills 9-Year-Old Boy on Bicycle in Malad

A nine-year-old boy was killed in a road accident on Friday morning in the Appapada area in Malad (East), Mumbai, after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus allegedly hit the bicycle he was riding pillion on. The fatal incident took place at approximately 9:00 a.m. as the young boy was returning home.

The victim has been identified by authorities as Rupesh Dhotre. According to police sources, Dhotre had gone to meet his grandmother in the vicinity. He was returning home on a bicycle ridden by his 14-year-old cousin, with Dhotre riding as the pillion passenger.

While they were traveling, a BEST bus overtook their bicycle and allegedly struck the vehicle from behind. The collision caused both of the boys to fall onto the road. Dhotre fell directly into the path of the bus and came under its rear tyre.

Dhotre's father, who was also returning home at the time, witnessed the tragic accident unfold. He, alongside local residents who rushed to help, immediately transported the injured boy to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival, medical professionals declared Dhotre dead.

Following the incident, the police arrested the BEST bus driver, identified as 34-year-old Dilip Gangad.