Nanjangud witnessed an unusual incident when a birthday celebration unfolded aboard a moving government transport bus, leaving passengers stunned and alarmed.
On the occasion of the conductor’s birthday, a group of female passengers decided to mark the event by placing a cake on the engine cover of the bus and cutting it while the vehicle was in motion. The bus, bearing registration number KA.09 F 5074, operates the daily evening route from Hullahalli bus stand in Nanjangud taluk to Karapur, departing at 7:30 pm.
According to eyewitnesses, the celebration took place near Kanenoor village around 8 pm. The driver, seemingly distracted by the festivities, drew immediate criticism from passengers who shouted at him to concentrate on driving safely. Some passengers were reportedly terrified by the conductor and driver’s participation in what they described as reckless behavior.
A heated argument erupted as passengers questioned how transport staff, entrusted with the safety of dozens of commuters, could allow such a celebration to occur mid-journey. Observers raised concerns about the risks involved if an accident had happened due to this lapse in attention.
Many demanded accountability from the Transport Department and called upon the Transport Minister to clarify whether disciplinary action would be taken against the driver and conductor for endangering lives. Passengers insisted that celebrating personal occasions must never compromise public safety on government buses.