Bus conductor assault: Accused to be charged under Goonda Act, says Karnataka Minister

Belagavi: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday announced that those involved in the recent assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi will be charged under the stringent Goonda Act.

The incident occurred on February 21, when a group of passengers attacked conductor Mahadev Hukkeri following a dispute over language preferences. The altercation escalated after Hukkeri requested the passengers to converse in Kannada, leading to a physical assault.

Addressing reporters, Reddy strongly condemned the attack and criticised the police for what he termed a lack of "common sense" in booking Hukkeri under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He emphasised that KSRTC has been operating for 65 years without any allegations of sexual harassment and described the charges against the conductor as baseless.

The Minister visited the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, where Hukkeri is receiving treatment, and assured him of the government’s support. Reddy also stated that he would discuss the matter with Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar to ensure the withdrawal of the POCSO case against Hukkeri.

He also addressed the temporary suspension of bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra, stating that it was a precautionary measure to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Efforts are underway to restore normal operations at the earliest, the Minister said.