“Law must protect public servants. Attack on drivers is an attack on the system,” says Ramalinga Reddy in a strong letter to Home Minister Parameshwar
Bengaluru: In a strong and urgent appeal to Home Minister G. Parameshwar, Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has demanded strict action against the recurring assaults and public insults on BMTC staff, following a shocking new incident reported in Bellandur Police Station limits.
The incident that triggered the minister’s letter occurred just two days ago, when a female techie allegedly attacked a BMTC driver named Hussain with her slipper, reportedly because the bus did not stop at the location she demanded. An FIR has been registered at Bellandur Police Station, but the issue has stirred outrage across the transport community.
"Despite letters to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and directions to BMTC officials to intervene directly, such assaults continue. It is shocking," the Minister noted in his letter.
Spike in Violence Against Transport Staff Raises Alarm
Ramalinga Reddy highlighted that this is not an isolated incident. Similar cases of verbal abuse, physical assault, and even life-threatening attacks — including one involving a knife — have been reported in recent months.
“Some miscreants have even attempted to take the lives of bus operators. This can no longer be tolerated,” the minister stressed.
According to the Minister, the welfare and dignity of public service staff, drivers, conductors, and other transport personnel in BMTC and KSRTC must be protected with firm legal intervention.
Appeal for Permanent, Systemic Action
While the transport department does not hesitate to take internal action against any wrongdoing by its staff, the minister emphasised the need to draw a clear legal line against vigilantism and public misconduct.
“If our staff is found guilty, we will take disciplinary action. But no one has the right to insult or assault government employees. Attacks outside the law must be dealt with firmly,” the minister declared.
He urged the police department to not only take strict action against the current accused but also explore a long-term, systemic solution to ensure such incidents don’t recur.
Full Letter Sent to the Home Minister
The letter addressed to Home Minister G. Parameshwar concludes with a call for policy-level intervention, urging the Home Department to treat the issue with utmost seriousness and act swiftly.
“We have to uphold the morale and dignity of our frontline staff. I hope the Home Ministry takes this matter seriously,” the letter reads, signed by Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka's Minister of Transport.
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