Two employees of the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), a bus driver named Hanumanthappa and a conductor named Anita, have been suspended for creating an Instagram reel while on duty. The state-run transport corporation cited the creation of the reel as casting the department in a negative light.
The viral video features Hanumanthappa holding an umbrella, seemingly concerned that passengers would get soaked if it rained. Anita, the conductor, reportedly filmed the video while on the same bus. The reel gained traction on social media, sparking concerns about passenger safety and the condition of NWKRTC buses. As a result, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against the two employees.
A video of a #NWKRTC bus driver driving with an umbrella had gone viral with the claim that the roof was leaking. It turns out the driver and conductor were recording a reel. There is not a drop of water on the umbrella and it was foolish of people to believe the roof was… pic.twitter.com/skLcSVCkPp
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) May 25, 2024
NWKRTC Managing Director Priyanga, speaking to news agency ANI, stated, “The NWKRTC has suspended both the driver and conductor for portraying the organization negatively and has launched a departmental inquiry.”
Priyanga further clarified that an inspection of the bus revealed no roof leakage, contrary to Hanumanthappa’s concerns depicted in the reel. “Taking the incident seriously, NWKRTC conducted an inspection which confirmed that the bus roof was intact, and the reel was created for entertainment purposes,” Priyanga added.
