Attention Malayalees in Bengaluru! Think twice before booking this bus

KOCHI: The Karnataka RTC Volvo bus that often swifts through Kochi is now under the scrutinising lens of authorities. After getting a tip-off, the central police immediately stopped the bus in Kochi, and when inspected found the driver in full booze state.

The passengers were equally shocked to learn that they were under the stewardship of a drunken man. The tensions worsened and another driver was brought to resume the travel. The driver was arrested by the Central Police and released on station bail.

The dramatic incident took place on Ernakulam Salim Rajan Road around 11.45 pm on Sunday. Thiruvananthapuram-Bangalore Karnataka RTC Superfast bus driver Pradeepa Sawanda (42), a native of Makanur, was arrested for drunken driving.

The bus had left Thiruvananthapuram in the evening and crossed the district border at night. One car trailing the bus noticed the reckless driving and the risky overtakes made on narrow roads. They alerted the police about the incident which helped bust the ruffian.

Later, the central police team chased the bus and stopped it. Police knew it was booze driving the moment Pradeepa opened his mouth to respond. The foul odor seeped across the front cabin forcing the police to question him further.

The police also handed over the arrest information to the Motor Vehicle Department.