The busy Okalipuram Main Road close to Majestic bus-stand turned into a battleground when traffic police clashed with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) drivers on Thursday. Traffic was affected on the stretch for around 45 minutes.
Trouble began at around 10 a.m. when a KSRTC bus from Holenarasipur (Hassan) allegedly entered Okalipuram ignoring signs that prohibit entry of heavy vehicles, KSRTC and BMTC buses on the stretch.
The driver managed to dodge two constables along the road, but a third constable, Hussain Pasha, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Nagaraj intercepted the bus close to Majestic and allegedly shouted at the driver for reckless driving.
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Heated argument ensued between the two, and it turned serious when the police allegedly beat up the bus conductor, K.S. Prasanna.
Other State-run bus drivers passing by saw their colleague being beaten up and allegedly attacked Hussain and Nagaraj. Some autorickshaw drivers rushed to intervene and pacify the police and the drivers.
Traffic was affected for more than 45 minutes on the busy stretch resulting in a massive traffic pile-up till Rajajinagar.
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Scores of State transport bus drivers rushed to the scene and staged a snap protest demanding action against the policemen.
Prasanna, who sustained injuries, was rushed to K.C. General Hospital, while Hussain and Nagaraj were admitted to Victoria Hospital.
Senior police officers arrived at the scene and pacified the agitated crowd, assuring them of action.
Meanwhile, Hussain and Nagaraj filed a complaint with the Srirampuram police against the bus drivers on charge of assault and criminal intimidation.
Senior officials of KSRTC visited K.C. General Hospital and had a word with Prasanna.