Mangaluru: A bus driver was allegedly assaulted at the Kateel bus stand following a heated verbal exchange that escalated unexpectedly. The incident, which took place during regular service hours, was captured on the bus’s dashboard camera, offering clear footage of the confrontation.
The victim, identified as Somashekar, a driver of the Maroli route bus, was reportedly attacked over a dispute related to the use of the vehicle’s horn. According to eyewitnesses, the disagreement started as a personal argument but quickly turned into a physical assault.
Initial reports suggest that the attacker was another driver, reportedly from the Dalit community, who allegedly took offence during the conversation and proceeded to physically attack Somashekar. The dispute, sources claim, had no official or work-related cause and stemmed from a private misunderstanding.
The incident, while brief, shocked passengers and bystanders at the stand. Authorities are currently reviewing the dashcam footage, and an investigation has been initiated. Police are also taking statements from witnesses present at the time of the scuffle.
Such acts of aggression at public transportation hubs raise concerns about driver safety and professional conduct. Transport department officials have been informed, and action is expected based on the outcome of the investigation.