Fresh trouble for Kallada

In the wake of widespread complaints against inter-state tourist buses, the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department launched a special drive and imposed fine on over 20 buses for flouting norms.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Human Rights Commission initiated a case against Suresh Kallada Tours and Travels in connection with the brutal assault on passengers in a Bengaluru-bound bus.

According to sources, many buses were found to be collecting passengers from unauthorised points, charging excessive fares and were also illegally transporting goods. Some of the booking offices of the private bus operators were also found to be working without a proper licence. Fines of up to Rs 5,000 was imposed on the offenders and warned of stringent action against violations in future.

A police party on Wednesday went to Coimbatore to collect statements from a passenger in the Bengaluru-bound bus who was assaulted by employees of Suresh Kallada firm. Though the police issued a notice to the firm’s owner, he did not turn up yet. The probe into the case was entrusted to an assistant commissioner of police.

Meanwhile, a Thiruvananthapuram-based college teacher, Maya Madhavan, who raised allegation against the Suresh Kallada bus received threatening messages on social media.