Bangalore, Oct 23 (Bangalore Mirror): Actor Darshan’s booze-induced assault on his wife captured headlines, but the Sandalwood star now seems bent on perpetually playing the bad guy in real life. As if the wife-beating incident was not enough, Darshan drove a government-owned Volvo bus on the highway, violating rules.

The star, who began a state-wide tour from Wednesday to promote his film Sarathi, took the wheel of a KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) Volvo bus (No. KA 01 F 9089), while on the way to Davangere. The bus was on contract carriage to Darshan and his entourage.

Drivers of KSRTC’s Volvo buses must first undergo exclusive training programme conducted by the Swedish company. Only those who pass the tests are allowed to drive. Darshan, however, did not undergo this training. Darshan could also find himself on the wrong side of the law on another count. A KSRTC bus is government property and it is illegal for a non-staffer to drive a bus, especially with passengers on board, without permission.

“It is strictly not permitted,” K A Rajkumar, director (operations), told Bangalore Mirror. “One cannot simply get in and drive a KSRTC bus. Only personnel trained by Volvo are authorised to drive those buses. We will probe the matter and suitable action will be taken against those who have violated rules.”

To drive a Volvo, one needs special training as the specifications of the bus are different, says S N Sharma, the owner of a fleet of buses.

“Unlike ordinary buses, Volvo buses are different and have unique specifications,” Sharma said. “Some functions are manually controlled and some are automatic. For example it has a system called ‘retarder brake controlled system’ not found on other buses. With an unqualified driver at the wheel, passengers’ lives are at risk.”

Officials are also probing whether Darshan has a valid HPV (heavy passenger vehicle) licence. Driving a bus without a HPV licence is a violation of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act.

“One cannot drive a heavy vehicle unless s/he has a HPV licence,” said an RTO official on condition of anonymity. “The person can be fined up to Rs 1,500 for the offence.”

However Dinakar Tougudeepa, Darshan’s brother, claimed Darshan had a HPV licence, but admitted that no permission was taken from KSRTC to drive the bus.

“He (Darshan) has a valid licence, but no permission was obtained to drive the bus,” Dinakar said. “However, we had taken permission during the shooting for Navagraha. Somebody said that he had done it during Navagraha so why can’t he do it now. So he just tried his hand at it.”