Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Feb 11: It has come to light that a KSRTC bus conductor issued a ticket for a chicken that was being taken to meet religious vow at a centre of worship.

A person travelling by KSRTC bus to a well-known centre of worship in Dakshina Kannada district had with him a chicken in his bag, which was meant to be offered to the deity. The conductor who noticed this, charged him Rs 50 and issued a ticket. This matter was brought to the notice of transport officials by Puttur MLA, Sanjeev Matandoor.

Matandoor had taken part in the KSRTC Puttur unit meeting when he narrated this incident. KSRTC divisional traffic officer, Muralidhar, reacted by saying that as per the government circular, animals, birds etc cannot be carried in buses. He also said that as per a rule, even for a chicken, bus fare as applicable to a passenger has to be charged. He said that nothing can be done as there is a government order.

He also told the MLA that Rs 50 would have been collected as fare as there were three chickens. He offered to send it to the government if the MLA gives his objection in writing. Other than that, he said, the transport officials are helpless.