Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 21: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended three bus conductors for allegedly siphoning off ticket money by using their personal UPI QR codes instead of the officially issued scanners, causing financial loss to the public transport utility.

The irregularity came to light during a routine inspection conducted in December 2025, when BMTC’s internal vigilance team detected that the conductors were collecting ticket fares from passengers through their own UPI scanners and diverting the amount directly into their personal bank accounts. Officials said the act amounted to a serious violation of financial discipline and BMTC rules.

Investigations revealed that the three conductors had collectively misappropriated more than Rs 1 lac. Suresh (Token No. 9574, Depot 23) was found to have illegally collected Rs 47,257, while Manchegowda (Token No. 3460, Depot 3), who was working as a driver-cum-conductor, diverted Rs 54,358. Another conductor, Ashwak Khan (Token No. 10151, Depot 14), had allegedly transferred Rs 3,206 to his personal account. Following confirmation of the charges during the inquiry, orders were issued suspending all three with immediate effect.

Transport minister has directed officials to take strict action against any misuse of public funds, stating that maintaining transparency and accountability remains a top priority for the corporation.

To prevent such incidents in the future, BMTC has announced that it will soon introduce a dynamic QR-based UPI payment system, which is expected to be more secure and transparent. The corporation has also instructed all depot managers to maintain close supervision over staff to ensure strict compliance with financial procedures.