The bus (route no 276 bearing number KA 01 F 3409), which plies between Majestic and Puttenahalli was stolen from Kempegowda bus stand and was found on NH 4 in Satyamangala, near Tumkur.
The miscreants, who abandoned the bus at the highway, have fled with its battery. A few locals noticed the bus and informed the police.
It is suspected that BMTC drivers suspended for rash driving or flouting of traffic rules may have committed the crime. Police are also investigating if the bus was used for any unlawful activity.
According to the police version, driver of the bus Rajesh had parked the vehicle in front of Amar Hotel at BMTC bus depot number 7 on Friday night and went out for dinner.
He returned around 11 pm to find the bus missing and lodged a complaint with the Upparpet police.
Meanwhile, rural police got in touch with BMTC officials in Bangalore and informed them about the bus found in Tumkur, A team of police went to Tumkur and brought back the bus to the City.
Recently, a BMTC bus was stolen from Domlur by a person in an inebriated state and was recovered a day later at Ramamurthy Nagar.
Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), BMTC K S Vishwanath said, “Many of the older buses in our fleet have a push switch that can be easily activated to start the bus. This bus probably did not have pneumatic doors too. So, drunken commuters or petty thieves can take advantage of this and steal the bus.”
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