Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 15: An unusual incident unfolded when a KSRTC bus conductor, enraged over a passenger carrying chicken meat with him, not only reprimanded the latter passenger with abusive words but also diverted the bus to a police station.

This incident has sparked a debate and raised public concerns over the behavior of conductors, drivers, and the involvement of the police in what many perceive to be a trivial matter.

The incident took place when Suresh boarded the State Bank Puttur KSRTC bus at Thumbe. During the ticket issuance, the bus conductor inquired about the contents of Suresh's handbag, which turned out to be chicken meat. He promptly asked Suresh to disembark from the bus, citing a supposed rule against carrying chicken meat on board.

A heated argument ensued as Suresh, a laborer who seemed unaware of this restriction, refused to comply with the conductor's demand. The situation escalated, with the conductor allegedly resorting to using foul language in his interaction with the passenger.

As Suresh continued to remain on the bus, the driver decided to take matters into his own hands by driving the vehicle, filled with passengers, directly to a nearby police station. Once there, he forcibly dragged out the passenger from the bus, prompting Police Sub Inspector Ramakrishna's intervention.

Inspector Ramakrishna expressed his concerns over the restrictions on carrying meat and fish on the bus, asking how laborers like Suresh were supposed to transport such items. He questioned whether poor laborers should be forced to book more expensive auto-rickshaws or taxis for such purposes.

The incident raised questions among other passengers about the appropriateness of taking legal action against individuals for simply carrying meat or fish. Responding to this, K S Shreesha Bhat, the divisional officer of KSRTC Bantwal Division, clarified that according to corporation regulations, chicken and fish meat are not permitted on buses as the odour may disturb fellow passengers. Starngely, he said live animals are allowed!

This incident has brought attention to the behavior of conductors, drivers, and the police when dealing with such situations, sparking debate and public outrage over whether such incidents warrant police involvement.