Mayor-Driver controversy: Police interrogate conductor and station master, citing contradictory statements from Yadu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have stated that there is a discrepancy in the driver's statement concerning the missing memory card, which is crucial in revealing the true nature of the dispute between Mayor Arya Rajendran and KSRTC driver Yadu. Consequently, Yadu was once again taken into custody yesterday for questioning. The interrogation, which lasted until 8 pm, was conducted by City Police Commissioner CH Nagaraju and DCP Nithin Raj, under the direct supervision of top police officials due to the controversial nature of the case.

The interrogation primarily relied on CCTV footage. Police investigations revealed that Yadu had previously claimed to have alighted from the bus and then reboarded it when confronted by Mayor and her team. However, after securing bail, Yadu was observed near the bus at Thampanoor depot on the 29th, according to DCP P Nithin Raj. Discrepancies in Yadu's earlier statements prompted the police to summon him for further questioning.

Conductor Subin, who was on duty during the incident, and Station Master Lal Sajeev, responsible for the depot, were interrogated starting yesterday morning. Subin was taken into custody from his residence early in the morning but was released later in the evening. CCTV footage from Thampanoor depot confirmed Subin's presence near the halted bus. However, Subin informed the police that he merely monitored the CCTV without any knowledge of the memory card. He was also seen making a phone call, which the police concluded was made by Yadu. The statements provided by the conductor and station master did not raise any suspicion, according to the police.

In the midst of these developments, allegations were made by Yadu's wife Bindu, claiming that the station master had taken Lal Sajeev from their home without prior notice. Bindu also accused the authorities of attempting to implicate the station master in the case.