BMTC conductor slaps passenger after penalty memo issued during ticket check

Bengaluru: Conductor assaults passenger after ticketless travel incident

A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) conductor allegedly slapped a passenger on Friday evening after a line checking inspector penalised both for ticket-related violations. The incident occurred on a Devanahalli–Majestic bus around 6 pm and came to light after the passenger, musician Hriday Raj, posted a video and photos of the assault on social media.

Passenger fined ₹420 for not carrying ticket

Raj boarded the bus at Devanahalli after attending a show and fell asleep without purchasing a ticket. Around 45 minutes later, a line checking inspector boarded the bus and asked him for his ticket. Raj told the official that he needed a ticket to Majestic, but the inspector informed him of the rules and issued a challan of ₹420 for travelling without a ticket.

“I apologised and paid the penalty. Soon after the inspector got down, the conductor suddenly slapped me and started hurling abuses,” Raj told reporters.

Conductor allegedly retaliated over memo

According to BMTC officials, the line checking inspector had also issued a red notice to the conductor for dereliction of duty. Conductors are required to ensure all passengers hold valid tickets. After being reprimanded, the conductor allegedly vented his anger on Raj, blaming him for the penalty memo.

Other passengers on the bus can be heard in the viral video stating that physical assault was unacceptable. Raj said he dialled 112 for police assistance, following which officers took him to the BMTC office and later to Upparpet police station. However, he left without filing a detailed complaint as the conductor had not arrived even after an hour.

Passenger demands apology, BMTC responds

Raj, who sustained facial marks from the assault, has demanded an apology from the conductor and accountability from BMTC. “The conductor should apologise. I am also waiting for BMTC’s response on the action taken,” he said.

A BMTC official confirmed the incident, stating: “Around 7.45 pm, a line checking inspector boarded the bus (KA 57 F 4029) at Hebbal and penalised a passenger for travelling without a ticket. He also issued a memo to the conductor. After the inspector alighted at Guttahalli, the conductor allegedly went and slapped the passenger.”

The official added that allowing passengers to travel without tickets amounts to misconduct, and penalties can go up to ₹1,000, with possible transfers for negligent conductors. However, the official reiterated that it is also the duty of passengers to purchase tickets immediately after boarding.

Conclusion

The incident has triggered debate online about accountability in BMTC operations, with commuters condemning the assault and demanding stricter action. Police are likely to take further steps once a formal complaint is lodged.