Alleged misconduct with female student on KSRTC bus; conductor suspended after probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A KSRTC conductor has been suspended following a complaint by a female student who alleged that he insulted and behaved inappropriately towards her while she was travelling on a Priyadarshini bus in Paravur. The KSRTC Vigilance Wing later conducted an inquiry into the complaint and found a serious lapse on the conductor’s part. The suspension was ordered by KSRTC CMD Dr P S Pramoj Shankar.

The incident occurred on Saturday on the Ernakulam depot’s RSA 173 Priyadarshini bus, which operates on the Guruvayur-Ernakulam route. The student had filed a complaint at the Paravur police station, alleging that the conductor spoke to her in a manner that insulted her dignity and behaved inappropriately after she asked for a ticket.

According to her complaint, the conductor asked other passengers whether she looked like a woman and humiliated her in front of them. She said the incident caused her embarrassment and mental distress and sought action against the conductor to ensure justice. The student also alleged that some other passengers behaved inappropriately towards her.

Following the complaint, the KSRTC Vigilance Wing conducted an inquiry and found that the conductor had committed a serious lapse. He was subsequently suspended from service on the directions of KSRTC CMD Dr P S Pramoj Shankar.

Pramoj Shankar said there would be no compromise in protecting the rights and safety of passengers. He said all KSRTC employees were responsible for treating passengers with dignity and in a friendly manner. He also said complaints received from passengers would be examined seriously and that action would be taken against those found responsible in accordance with the rules.