Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended a bus conductor and ordered a departmental inquiry after a viral video allegedly showed him kicking a homeless man who was attempting to board a moving bus, causing him to fall onto the footpath. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many questioning the conduct of the transport staff.
The incident reportedly took place on August 2 on BMTC bus KA-57 F-1104, operating on Route No. 258SD/1.
Viral video prompts action
A video recorded by bystanders and widely circulated on social media appears to show the conductor kicking a man as he attempted to board the moving bus.
The impact allegedly caused the man to lose balance and fall onto the footpath.
The individual who shared the video claimed that the man was homeless and survived by begging. The incident quickly drew criticism from social media users, prompting BMTC to initiate action.
Conductor suspended pending inquiry
BMTC identified the conductor as Krishnamurthy, who is attached to Depot-43.
The corporation suspended him with immediate effect and ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident.
Officials said the inquiry would determine the facts before any further disciplinary action is taken.
Inquiry to examine evidence
According to BMTC, the inquiry will consider the conductor’s statement, accounts of passengers and eyewitnesses, available CCTV footage from the bus and other relevant evidence.
The corporation said all aspects of the incident would be examined to establish whether the allegations are substantiated.
Based on the findings of the inquiry, further action will be taken in accordance with the applicable service rules.
BMTC reiterates zero-tolerance policy
In an official statement, BMTC said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, discourteous behaviour and any act that compromises the dignity, safety or rights of passengers.
The corporation stated that if the allegations against the conductor are proved during the inquiry, appropriate disciplinary action will follow.
BMTC also reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and courteous public transport services to commuters.
Incident follows recent controversy
The latest incident comes just days after another BMTC conductor was suspended for allegedly asking Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh to get off a bus after he reportedly could not tender the exact fare for a ticket.
That conductor was later reinstated after issuing an apology.
The corporation has maintained that disciplinary action in such cases will depend on the outcome of departmental inquiries.
Conclusion
The viral video has once again brought the conduct of public transport staff under scrutiny. While BMTC has acted by suspending the conductor and initiating an inquiry, the final course of action will depend on the findings of the investigation. The corporation has reiterated that any employee found guilty of misconduct will face disciplinary action under its service rules.