Kempegowda Bus Station, Bengaluru’s busiest transit point, is facing a spike in disruptive activity, particularly involving intoxicated individuals and sex workers, due to the visible absence of regular police patrols, Bangalore Mirror reported.
On Friday afternoon, BMTC ticket inspectors had to step in when a woman — believed to be a sex worker under the influence of alcohol — was found engaging in public indecency near a shop inside the terminal, causing discomfort among passengers.
A female BMTC inspector noted the growing difficulty in maintaining decorum due to the lack of police presence. She recalled that earlier, the Obavva Squad, an all-women enforcement team, used to keep close watch, but their presence is no longer felt. The squad, once praised for tackling antisocial behavior, had seen notable success in curbing similar issues in the past.
Daily commuters, especially women, have voiced increasing unease, citing difficulties in using the foot-over bridge due to loitering by intoxicated individuals and sexual minorities. “We’re not against anyone’s identity,” said a woman commuter, “but the persistent nuisance is worrying.”
A former police outpost at the station has since been closed, worsening the problem. BMTC Divisional Traffic Officer Nayana M N said she has escalated the issue to Upparpet Police, who have now committed to reintroducing a dedicated patrol unit and building a new outpost.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Sex Workers’ Union condemned intoxicated or unruly conduct, stressing that while public presence is a right, nuisance behavior is not acceptable.