Police have detained the driver of the Green Bus involved in the accident. However, the bus handyman, is reportedly absconding and efforts are underway to trace him.

The accident claimed the lives of Akash Boro and Jyotirmoy Das, both residents of Kharghuli.

While Akash died on the spot after the scooter on which the duo was travelling was hit by the bus near Fancy Bazar on Friday, Jyotirmoy succumbed to his injuries at around 10:30 pm while undergoing treatment.

According to family members, the two friends were returning home after a visit to Accoland when the accident occurred.

A relative of Jyotirmoy said the family received the devastating news late on Friday night.

"He had gone to Accoland and was returning when the accident took place near Fancy Bazar. His friend died on the spot while Jyotirmoy sustained critical injuries. Later, we were informed that he had succumbed to his injuries. We urge the administration to regulate bus drivers and sensitise them towards safe driving for the public," the relative said.

Jyotirmoy's mother, struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son, demanded justice and accountability.

"My son will not come back to us, but he should get justice. We have heard that a Green Bus was involved in the accident. Those responsible must be held accountable," she said.

Another relative highlighted what many commuters describe as aggressive competition among buses on the city's congested roads.

"There appears to be a race among buses even on busy roads. When that happens, there is hardly any space left for others to travel safely," the family member said

The deaths have triggered widespread outrage among residents, many of whom allege that reckless driving by a section of Green Bus operators has become a persistent threat on Guwahati's roads.

A local resident said Green Buses frequently violate traffic norms and stop at locations of their choice, disregarding designated bus stops and traffic regulations.

"Green Buses have terrorised residents of Guwahati. They stop wherever they want, irrespective of bus stands and bus stops. Why can't we adopt traffic discipline like Meghalaya and Mizoram?" he questioned.

The incident has once again brought into focus long-standing concerns over the operation of Green Buses in Guwahati.

Commuters and motorists have repeatedly alleged that some drivers routinely engage in dangerous overtaking, abrupt stopping and speeding in an attempt to pick up more passengers.

Authorities have not yet issued any public statement till the time of filing this report.