'We don't smoke at all': Drivers accused in Noida bus fire deny smoking inside vehicle

GREATER NOIDA: The two drivers arrested in connection with the Greater Noida sleeper bus fire on Thursday denied police allegations that they had been smoking inside the bus before the blaze, saying, “No, this is wrong. We don't smoke at all.”The accused drivers and a conductor were produced before the District and Sessions Court in Surajpur on Thursday and were sent to 14-day judicial custody.The three were arrested in connection with the sleeper bus fire, which claimed nine lives and left several others injured. Police had alleged that the two drivers were smoking inside the bus before the incident.However, the drivers denied the allegation while being taken to court.The police investigation into the circumstances leading to the fire is underway.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who died in the fire. Each injured person will receive Rs 50,000.Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also announced Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Noida | Silver Rate in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Petrol Price in Noida | Diesel Price in Noida | CNG Price in Noida | LPG Price in NoidaStay updated with the latest Noida news. Download the TOI App.