The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended a bus conductor from duty after a shocking video showing a woman passenger being assaulted sparked outrage across social media platforms. An argument happened beween the conductor, identified as Honnappa Nagappa Agasar, and a 24-year-old woman passenger travelling from Bilekalli to Shivajinagar on a BMTC bus operating the Bannerghatta National Park to Shivajinagar route.
Allegedly, the conductor did not issue a ticket to the passenger, leading to a verbal dispute. Another passenger captured a video of the physical altercation that quickly escalated. The footage, which has since gone viral, shows the woman slapping the conductor, to which he responds by repeatedly striking her. The distressing incident has drawn widespread condemnation, prompting swift action from both the authorities and the BMTC.
Subsequently, the Bengaluru police intervened, arresting the conductor on charges of assaulting the woman during the ticket dispute. The victim, employed at a retail shop on Commercial Street, bravely filed a complaint with the Siddapura police, initiating an investigation into the matter.
In response to the incident, the BMTC issued a press release on Tuesday, announcing the immediate suspension of Honnappa Nagappa Agasar pending further investigation. The corporation reiterated its commitment to the safety of women passengers, emphasizing measures such as separate seating arrangements, installation of panic buttons and CCTV cameras, and gender sensitization training for staff. The corporation will enforce strict disciplinary measures for any misconduct towards passengers, particularly women.
The press release highlighted the BMTC's dedication to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for women travelers, emphasizing zero tolerance for any form of violence or misconduct. The corporation affirmed its stance on taking strict disciplinary action against individuals found culpable of endangering the well-being of passengers.
A #BMTC bus conductor assaulted a woman passenger after she slapped him over a dispute about buying a ticket in in #Bengaluru's #Siddapura police limits on Tuesday. The incident was recorded on a mobile phone camera and the conductor has since been suspended.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) March 26, 2024
The woman… pic.twitter.com/sgVjGtCVyO
Last Updated Mar 27, 2024, 1:42 PM IST