A group of students who hijacked an MTC bus at Tollgate on Thursday afternoon in an attempt to celebrate Bus Day, which is banned by police, were chased away by police personnel.
Police sources said that more than 30 students got into the bus on route number 6D (Tollgate to Parrys Corner) at Tollgate around 3.30 p.m. and demanded of the driver to drive the vehicle to their college on Kamarajar Salai. Many passengers got down as the group was creating a ruckus by banging on the vehicle and whistling. The police control room got a call about the situation. A police team from the New Washermenpet station intercepted the bus when it was coming on Tiruvottiyur High Road. After repeated requests by police personnel to the students to give up the celebrations and let the bus go failed, they resorted to mild lathicharge, sources added.
Traffic in the area was affected for more than 30 minutes following the incident.
Police meet students
Joint Commissioner of Police (South) K.P. Shanmuga Rajeswaran held a meeting with the students of the Government Art College, Nandanam on Thursday morning on the issue of bus day celebrations. He advised the students not to indulge in such practices which are a big hindrance for vehicular traffic on busy city roads and general public. Students present on the occasion pledged that they would not take part in Bus Day celebrations in future. Professors of the college and other police officials attached to the Saidapet police district were also present, police sources said.
