BMTC Bus Conductor Slaps Woman Passenger, Authorities Suspend Him | Viral Video

A woman passenger was thrashed by a bus conductor from Bengaluru on Tuesday morning, as depicted in a viral video circulating on social media.

The incident occurred under the Siddapura police station area, situated in the Jayanagar East area, when an altercation unfolded between a woman - travelling from Bilekalli to Shivajinagar - and a BMTC bus conductor, resulting in a physical fight.

WATCH Viral Video | BMTC Bus Conductor Slaps Woman

In response to the incident, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) issued a press release on Tuesday, announcing the suspension of the bus conductor. The video footage captures the confrontation between the conductor and the woman, during which she is seen slapping him. Subsequently, the conductor retaliates by repeatedly slapping the woman.

According to news agency ANI, an argument over the bus ride ticket ensued between the two individuals. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged with the police by the female passenger regarding the matter.

A press release from the BMTC stated, "Disciplinary action has been initiated against Honnappa Nagappa Agasar, Conductor, with immediate effect 'suspended,' based on the aforementioned social media report."

The BMTC emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety of women passengers, outlining measures such as separate seating arrangements, installation of panic buttons and CCTV cameras, and provision of information boards and women's restrooms at major bus stations.

Additionally, gender sensitization training is being provided to all 27,000 driving staff to ensure the safety and comfort of women passengers. The corporation asserted its stance on prioritizing women's safety and pledged to take strict disciplinary action against any individuals found guilty of violence, rude behaviour, or untoward incidents involving women passengers.

However, several internet users highlighted that the woman initiated physical contact by hitting the conductor first, and his subsequent actions were in retaliation. Yathish Kumar S, a Bengaluru resident, highlighted this aspect in a post on the micro-blogging site 'X'.