LUCKNOW, March 12 -- The Uttar Pradesh transport department has suspended four passenger and goods tax officers (PTO) posted in Agra, for alleged negligence in enforcing safety checks on school vehicles. This follows the death of a nine-year-old Agra girl by falling through the floor of a dilapidated school bus on March 11.

The suspended officers will remain attached to the office of the transport commissioner during the suspension period.

Transport commissioner Kinjal Singh ordered the suspension of officials Neelam, Amit Verma, Sharda Mishra and Shiv Kumar Mishra citing "gross negligence and laxity in discharge of duties". The action was taken on the directions of the state transport minister, an official statement issued by the depar...