A driver attempted to kill himself, while protests brought the operations to a standstill at the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Shantinagar depot on Tuesday morning.
Madhu allegedly consumed poison early on Tuesday after “persistent harassment” by senior officials at the busy depot. While he was taken to Victoria Hospital where he is recovering and out of danger, numerous drivers and conductors staged a spot protest. For nearly three hours, more than 120 buses did not ply on their usual routes, said BMTC officials.
The drivers alleged harassment, including the use of abusive language, by officials at the depot.
It was only after a meeting with Chief Traffic Manager (Operation) K.R. Vishwanath at 10.30 a.m., that the drivers called off their strike and resumed services. “There was no complaint previously against the depot manager and others. We will investigate the complaints and take suitable action,” said Mr. Vishwanath.
Earlier in July, workers at Banashankari depot had similarly conducted a flash strike against their senior officials, while in June, services from Kempegowda bus stand had been stalled for a few hours after workers alleged the depot manager was harassing women crew.
