High drama prevailed in front of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) office in HSR Layout on Thursday when over 150 drivers attached to BMTC Depot 9 protested against the authorities after a bus driver attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison, allegedly after being denied leave by superiors.
This is the third such incident where the BMTC and KSRTC staff have accused harassment from senior officials.
It all started when a senior BMTC bus driver, Prakash Gowda (47), allegedly consumed poison around 8.30 a.m. at the depot’s main entrance.
He was rushed to Victoria Hospital from where he was referred to Chethana Hospital. Prakash has been working with the BMTC for over 15 years.
HSR Layout police said Prakash had approached his superior and had asked for leave, following which he was asked to meet the divisional controller.
However, Praksh did not go to meet divisional controller and decided to consume poison at the depot’s main gate. Soon, a large crowd gathered and over 150 bus drivers along with Prakash’s wife and relatives, staged a protest accusing harassment from senior officials. It was only after police intervention that the angry protesters calmed down and went home.
“Prakash is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. No one has come forward to lodge a complaint in this regard. We are waiting for Prakash to recuperate following which his statement will be taken,” said an investigating officer.
Looking back
November 23:Vinayaka Murthy, KSRTC driver-cum-conductor of Bengaluru Division committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from his seniors. He left a suicide note on WhatsApp.
November 30:51-year-old Ramu, a KSRTC driver on contract basis, attempted suicide by immolating himself at the KSRTC headquarters in Shanthinagar demanding full-time employment
