Wayanad, Kerala: A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) interstate bus, held in custody for 24 days by the Forest Department following the death of a deer, is to be released. The Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) Court in Sulthan Bathery has ordered the vehicle be returned to KSRTC.

The bus, which operates on the Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru route, was detained after it fatally struck a deer near Edathara in Muthanga, Wayanad, on April 19. The animal, caught under the low-floor vehicle, was dragged a short distance before dying.

The Forest Department registered a case under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, which deals with illegal hunting. A preliminary report was submitted to the court under the supervision of the Kurichiyad Range Forest Officer.

A final investigation report will be filed once the bus is released, and the court is expected to summon the driver for further proceedings.

On Tuesday, KSRTC is expected to submit photographic evidence of the bus to the court. The Corporation has deposited Rs 13 lakh as part of the legal procedure to secure the vehicle’s release.

Officials confirmed that following the incident, another bus had been assigned to continue operations on the Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru route without disruption.

Bus to undergo repair and inspection before service

The seized vehicle has been kept at the RRT Range Office premises of the Forest Department in Bathery. It reportedly sustained damage to its front bumper and tyres. Authorities stated the bus, stationary for over three weeks, would require thorough inspection and repairs before rejoining service.

Depending on operational requirements, the bus may be routed to either Thiruvananthapuram or Bengaluru.

Warning against speeding in forest zones

Forest officials reiterated that road accidents involving protected wildlife species could attract serious legal consequences under the Wildlife Protection Act. While Section 9 is applied in such cases, it is usually removed from the final report if the incident is found to be unintentional.

Authorities urged all drivers to observe speed limits and traffic rules within forest areas to prevent such incidents.