Fined for plying bus on Hebbal flyover, BMTC driver attempts suicide

A BMTC driver allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison at a temple on Wednesday morning shortly after the corporation’s Sarathi Road Patrol Squad issued him a memo and demanded that he pay fine for plying the bus on the Hebbal flyover in violation of rules. 

Krishna drove the Banashankari-Hebbal bus on the flyover when he saw heavy traffic under it. As per the route, the bus is to ply under the flyover to cater for commuters at the bus stops on the way, sources in the police said. 

But as soon as the bus pulled into the flyover, members of the squad waved Krishna down. Jayappa, a member of the squad, asked him to get down. Krishna complied and tried to reason with the officer why he plied the bus on the flyover. But Jayappa rejected the explanation, and a verbal duel ensued between them. He then gave Krishna a memo and asked him to pay fine, the sources added. 

An upset Krishan, however, deserted the bus and hurried to a temple where he allegedly consumed poison. He lay unconscious there until some people took him to the Baptist Hospital, the sources said. 

The BMTC MD, Anjum Parwez, described the incident as “unfortunate” but defended the squad. “The checks conducted by the Sarathi staff and issuance of memos are part of routine work.

The BMTC is very particular about following the scheduled routes as a large number of commuters wait for buses at the bus stops. Such drives are conducted every day,” he explained. “It’s not a punishment but a summary inquiry is done by the official concerned. The driver is let off with a warning or a fine of Rs 50-100.” 

3.5 tonnes of rice seized

Police arrested seven people for “violating” the model code of conduct in 16th ‘B’ Cross of Yelahanka New Town on Wednesday and seized 65 bags of rice allegedly meant to be distributed to voters as freebies.