KSRTC driver suspended for assaulting APSRTC counterpart

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A driver of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been suspended after he allegedly assaulted an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus driver over a trivial issue at Majestic bus station in Bengaluru. The altercation began with a disagreement between the two drivers and quickly escalated, resulting in serious injuries to one driver from the Proddatur depot. The incident took place around 10:45 pm on Thursday, leading to the suspension of Hanumantu Belavadi, the KSRTC driver.

As per reports, NRS Reddy, a driver from the Kadiri depot in Andhra Pradesh, had parked his bus in the designated area when Hanumantu approached from the wrong direction, prompting a confrontation. Angered by the blocking of his bus's path, Hanumantu verbally insulted Reddy. The situation worsened as other RTC drivers from Kadiri and Proddatur in Andhra Pradesh rallied behind Reddy, escalating the dispute into a heated argument. During the altercation, Hanumantu struck Reddy with the gear lever of the Volvo bus, inflicting significant head injuries. At around 11:20 pm, Reddy was taken to Srinivasa Hospital for medical attention by fellow drivers. After receiving initial treatment, he was moved to the running room for further observation.

On Friday, KSRTC officials summoned Reddy for questioning and on the occasion, he reported feeling dizzy, which led to additional examinations, including a CT scan at Mallya Hospital, ultimately showing no major health concerns. District Public Transport Officer Gopal Reddy informed KSRTC Managing Director Dwarka Thirumal Rao and Kadapa RTC sector president Poola Nagaraju about the incident, assuring them that Reddy would receive medical assistance and full support. Nagaraju visited the injured driver to extend support.