Brother believes bus killing may be racial

The Indian family of slain Brisbane bus driver Manmeet Alisher fear his killing was racially motivated although police have said it was a random attack.

The scene of a bus fire in Moorooka

A man has faced a Brisbane court after he allegedly threw an "incendiary device" at a bus driver. (AAP)

The brother of a Brisbane bus driver who was killed when he was set alight believes the horrific attack may have been racially motivated.

Manmeet Alisher, 29, was burned alive when an "incendiary device" was thrown at him while he was letting passengers on at Moorooka on Friday morning.

Police have said there is no evidence the attack was racially motivated and that it was a random act.

Mr Alisher, a prominent figure and beloved singer in the Punjabi community, was employed as a casual bus driver and had only been working in the job for several months.

A 48-year-old man has been charged with murder, arson and 11 counts of attempted murder, and will remain in custody until his case returns to court in late November.

On Saturday, the man's lawyer said he had concerns for the mental health of his client.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said there was nothing to suggest the attack was racially motivated, but Mr Alisher's brother told the ABC he fears otherwise.

"We suspect that it may be (racially motivated)," Amit Alisher said.

"We would like to see due process, we have faith in the Australian system."

At a vigil in Moorooka on Saturday evening, friends, colleagues and members of the public gathered to pay tribute.

"I can't even stop crying, even now. This is really heartbreaking to us," friend Pargat Singh told the Nine Network.

Bus driver Ray Ludwigson described his colleague as a man filled with joy.

"In his face he had love and peace. It's so sad to see someone go in this way," he said.

Mr Alisher's mother and brother are due to arrive in Australia on Saturday, the network reported.

A close friend of the family Winnerjit Singh has called on the Australian Punjabi community to remain calm.

"Please, be peaceful, be peaceful Australia," he told the ABC.

The Australian high commission in New Delhi is reportedly arranging an emergency visa for Amit Alisher so he can travel to Australia and repatriate his brother's body.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.


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Source: AAP



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