A video from Bengaluru has gone viral, showing a physical altercation between a woman passenger and a BMTC bus driver near Peenya on Tumakuru Road. What began as a verbal spat escalated into a public confrontation, with both reportedly exchanging blows as stunned passengers looked on.
The video, filmed by a bystander, shows the woman climbing the ramp behind the driver’s seat and hitting him during a heated exchange. The driver, identified as Ravi, retaliated immediately with a blow of his own.
Ravi has been employed with BMTC for a year. A senior BMTC official confirmed to Deccan Herald that an internal inquiry is underway. Initial findings suggest the driver may have been at fault, though the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear.
Police response and public reaction
Bengaluru City Police responded to the viral clip, stating: “We have forwarded your complaint to concerned police officers for necessary action.”
The incident has triggered a wave of divided reactions online. While some users demanded action against the woman for assaulting an on-duty worker, others criticised BMTC drivers for poor conduct.
“A woman should be jailed for hitting an on-duty person,” one user wrote. “These drivers are getting arrogant day by day,” another commented. “This woman needs to be thrown in jail… she is creating safety hazards,” wrote a third user. “BMTC drivers’ attitude is horrible. They often won’t stop at designated stops and argue when questioned,” added another.
Pattern of violence and complaints
This is not the first time BMTC staff have been caught on camera in violent confrontations. In March, a conductor was suspended after a video showed him assaulting a woman passenger during a ticket dispute. The woman, travelling from Bilekalli to Shivajinagar, slapped the conductor after he got aggressive. He retaliated with multiple blows. A complaint was filed at Siddapur police station.
Earlier this month, another commuter, Aditya Raj Aggarwal, alleged he was assaulted by a BMTC driver and conductor for “not knowing Kannada.” The incident sparked a language and identity debate online. Kannada activists later filed a complaint against the passenger, defending BMTC staff.
(With inputs from PTI)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
