BMTC Conductor Allegedly Slaps Musician Hriday Raj Over Ticket Fine Incident

A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) conductor allegedly slapped a musician, Hriday Raj, after being fined Rs 500 by a line checking inspector for not issuing a ticket. The incident occurred when Raj boarded a BMTC bus from Devanahalli to Majestic around 6 pm on Friday. Raj, who had just finished a show, fell asleep on the bus and was approached by an inspector for his ticket.

Raj explained that he was tired and dozed off after boarding. He expected the conductor to approach him for a ticket, which did not happen. After about 45 minutes, an inspector asked him for his ticket. Raj informed the inspector that he needed one to Majestic. The official identified himself as a line checking inspector and explained the rules, resulting in Raj paying a Rs 420 penalty.

Conductor's Reaction

Following the inspector's departure from the bus, the conductor unexpectedly slapped Raj. When questioned about his actions, the conductor began verbally abusing him. Raj retaliated verbally but refrained from physical confrontation. Upon reaching Majestic bus stand around 8:30 pm, the conductor refused to accompany Raj to the police station.

Raj contacted emergency services by dialling 112, prompting police intervention. They escorted him to the BMTC office where he filed a complaint against the conductor. Later at Upparpet police station, officers informed him it would take an hour for the conductor to arrive. Due to time constraints and another scheduled show, Raj left without further action.

Social Media Impact

Raj shared a video of the incident on social media along with photos showing marks on his face. The post quickly gained attention and went viral. In the video, other passengers can be heard condemning the conductor's physical assault as unacceptable behaviour.

A BMTC official stated that around 7:45 pm, during routine checks at Hebbal, an inspector boarded bus KA 57 F 4029 and issued a Rs 420 challan to Raj for travelling without a ticket. The official emphasised that allowing passengers without tickets is considered dereliction of duty.

BMTC's Response

The line checking inspector also issued a memo or red notice to the conductor for this oversight. According to BMTC regulations, penalties up to Rs 1,000 can be imposed on conductors who fail in their duties and they may be transferred to another depot if necessary.

The official reiterated that it is every passenger's responsibility to purchase their ticket upon boarding any BMTC bus. Meanwhile, Hriday Raj awaits an apology from the conductor and is keenly anticipating BMTC's response regarding any disciplinary action taken against him.