Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik suspended bus services to Karnataka following an attack on an MSRTC bus by pro-Kannada activists in Chitradurga, where the driver was assaulted. A police case has been filed, and services will remain halted until Karnataka clarifies its stance. On the same day, in Belagavi, a Karnataka conductor was attacked for not responding in Marathi and has been booked under the POCSO Act based on a counter complaint. Protests erupted in Belagavi, protesting the conductor’s treatment and demanding action against the attackers, amid ongoing tensions over regional border issues.
Mumbai:
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Saturday announced the suspension of state transport buses to Karnataka following an attack on an MSRTC bus in the neighboring state.
Mr. Sarnaik stated that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, traveling from Bengaluru to Mumbai, was assaulted in Chitradurga around 9:10 PM on Friday by pro-Kannada activists.
The activists also vandalized the driver Bhaskar Jadhav’s face and physically assaulted him, according to the minister.
A police report has been filed in Karnataka regarding the reported attack.
“Bus services to Karnataka will not resume until the Karnataka government clarifies its stance on this matter,” he asserted.
On the same day, a conductor of the Karnataka state-owned transport bus was reportedly attacked on the outskirts of Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, for not responding to a girl in Marathi.
It remains uncertain whether the attack on the MSRTC bus in Chitradurga was in retaliation to the alleged assault on the conductor.
Mr. Sarnaik mentioned that the MSRTC bus (MH-14 KQ 7714) had just left Chitradurga when pro-Kannada activists targeted the vehicle.
Four individuals have been arrested in a separate case for allegedly assaulting the conductor in Belagavi, according to the police. The conductor has also been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
With tears in his eyes, the 51-year-old conductor, Mahadevappa Mallappa Hukkeri, narrated to reporters that a girl who boarded the bus with a male companion at Sulebhavi village spoke in Marathi. Hukkeri stated he informed her that he did not understand Marathi and requested her to communicate in Kannada.
“When I indicated that I didn’t know Marathi, the girl insulted me, claiming that I should learn the language. Suddenly, a crowd gathered and began to assault me on my head and body,” he recounted.
The injured bus conductor was taken to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, police reported, adding he sustained minor injuries and is not in serious danger.
“A case has been filed, and we have detained four individuals in connection with the attack on the conductor. Based on a counter complaint from the 14-year-old girl, a case has been registered against the conductor under POCSO for allegedly making derogatory comments towards her,” a senior police officer stated.
“We have not made any arrests yet concerning the POCSO case. An investigation is necessary to address the allegations, and subsequent actions will be determined,” he elaborated.
During a press briefing, Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang remarked that four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the assault on the conductor. Three teams led by different inspectors have been created to capture the other suspects who are still at large.
“We will ensure that all involved in the incident are arrested soon,” he assured.
A counter complaint has been filed against the conductor, alleging misbehavior with the girl. A case was registered on Friday night regarding this matter.
“We are conducting the investigation and will ascertain the truth. As necessary, we will gather statements from other passengers on the bus. Our approach will remain neutral,” he affirmed.
Pointing out that the region has experienced ongoing tension due to border disputes and that this incident could escalate issues, the Commissioner responded to inquiries. He also mentioned he had contacted the Superintendent of Police from the neighboring district to maintain law and order.
“The situation can be managed through investigation. There is no reason for concern. Peace must be upheld by everyone,” he stated.
In response to the incident, pro-Kannada activists held a protest on Saturday by blocking the Belagavi-Bagalkote road and burning effigies. They were subsequently taken away by police.
Likewise, activists demonstrated in front of the Marihal police station, condemning the alleged assault on the conductor and labeling the charges against him as unfounded. They were also escorted away by the police.
Belagavi has a significant Marathi-speaking population, with some individuals advocating for the district’s merger with Maharashtra, which has met with strong opposition from both the state and the local Kannada community.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)