1 day Ago By H M Chaithanya Swamy
1 2 Bengaluru: In a shocking incident that unfolded a couple of days ago near Jalahalli Cross Junction in West Bengaluru, a BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) bus driver allegedly assaulted a motorcyclist, causing a severe injury to his private part. The victim, identified as Suraj (name changed), is a 30-year-old sales representative residing in Banashankari 3 Stage. The victim is currently undergoing treatment and may require surgery if he does not respond to medication.
According to Bagalagunte police, the incident occurred on April 8, when Suraj was returning from his work. While riding near the T Dasarahalli Metro station on Tumakuru Road, he encountered a BMTC bus, bearing registration number KA-57-AF-4319, which abruptly swerved from the left lane to the right without signalling. Suraj, who was riding besides the bus, nearly lost control of his bike due to the sudden lane change.
According to Suraj, the bus driver appeared to be arguing with a passenger at the time. Angered over the reckless driving, Suraj approached the bus and suggested that the driver be more cautious and considerate of other road users. However, the situation quickly escalated.
"The driver began shouting at me in abusive language, and told me to ride carefully. I initially tried to reason with him, but when he continued to hurl insults, I responded in the same tone and decided to leave the spot," Suraj told TOI. What followed thereafter was a disturbing turn of events.
The bus driver allegedly began chasing Suraj, aggressively manoeuvring the bus in a way that nearly collided with the bike multiple times. "He was screaming at me to stop and drove dangerously close to my bike. I was terrified," Suraj recalled.
Unfortunately, the traffic signal at Jalahalli Cross turned red, forcing Suraj to stop. That's when the driver jumped out of the bus and physically attacked him, he said. "He came running, pushed me, and then kicked me hard on my private part.
I fell to the ground in excruciating pain. He tried to kick me again, but I managed to block him. Commuters intervened and stopped him, but not before he threatened to kill me if I ever dared to offer advice again," said Suraj, who has been traumatised by the BMTC driver's assault.
Barely able to ride, Suraj approached traffic police at the junction. The Hoysala police vehicle took him to the station, where they advised him to seek medical treatment first. Suraj was later admitted to a hospital, where doctors found a swollen left testicle with internal bleeding.
He was placed under observation and may need surgery if the clot does not heal. A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered at Bagalagunte police station under BNS sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). "A notice will be issued to the driver.
We are investigating the incident and will take appropriate action based on the findings," the officer stated. The case has reignited concerns over driver behaviour and passenger safety in Bengaluru's public transport system. When TOI contacted BMTC, they were unavailable for comments.
Quote I am a newly married man and father of a just born baby. I am afraid this might affect our future. If this injury leads to permanent damage, it will ruin not just my life but also my wife's.
This kind of behaviour by BMTC drivers must not be tolerated. Mere suspension isn't enough — they should be held financially accountable for such acts. - Suraj, sales representative.
