Karnataka bus driver suspended after stopping bus mid-route to offer namaz

Haveri: The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) on Thursday suspended a driver-cum-conductor on ground of dereliction of duty and causing inconvenience to public by performing namaz in a bus while on duty.

The staff has been identified as Nayaz Mulla attached to the Hangal bus depot in Haveri district. The action has been taken following an internal investigation by the safety division senior official. He has been placed under suspension till further enquiry.

On April 29, Nayaz, who was deputed on Hangal-Vishalgad route in Haveri district stopped the bus in the middle of the route and performed namaz on the front seat after asking the passengers clear the seat for his prayers.

The incident was recorded by the passengers and uploaded it on social media. The video, which was shared multiple times on various platforms caused embarrassment to the government.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had to intervene and instruct the NWKRTC officials to conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident and place the staff under suspension if found guilty.

Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru, Reddy said everyone has the right to practice their religion. “However, as a government employee one has to follow certain rules and regulations. One cannot perform namaz during the working hours and not certainly in the bus after causing inconvenience to the public,” he said.

Speaking to DH, NWKRTC Managing Director Priyanga M said the action was taken after receiving preliminary investigation report from the concerned officials. Further action will be taken after the completion of further investigation.

Targeting the Congress government, several BJP leaders have termed the incident as another example of appeasement politics of the ruling party.