Did a K’taka RTC Bus Driver Stop to Perform Namaz?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Incident in Haveri: RTC bus driver stops to perform namaz.
- Viral Video: Passenger records and shares the event on social media.
- Community Reaction: Calls for action from Hindu activists.
- Recent Suspensions: KSRTC takes action against misconduct in other cases.
- Broader Implications: Highlights the balance of faith and duty in public service.
In Haveri, Karnataka, an incident involving an RTC bus driver and conductor has emerged, as the individual reportedly halted the bus during its journey to perform namaz on Wednesday. This occurrence has sparked considerable discussion online.
The video capturing the event has gained significant traction, prompting questions directed at the RTC authorities regarding this action.
The event took place on Tuesday evening, and official comments from the authorities are still pending. Reports indicate that the driver-cum-conductor of the RTC bus, traveling from Hangal to Vishalgarh, stopped the vehicle between Hubballi and Haveri, performing namaz while seated in a passenger seat behind the driver.
A passenger recorded the incident, sharing it on social media, where it quickly went viral.
In response, Hindu activists are calling for action against the RTC staff member for stopping the bus to perform namaz during operational hours.
Recently, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) suspended a conductor from the Kanakapura depot after a video went viral, showing an unauthorized individual issuing tickets on a KSRTC bus.
This situation was highlighted when a video surfaced, showing a person, not in uniform, issuing tickets. Following the viral attention, the conductor was identified and suspended.
Additionally, the KSRTC has lodged a police complaint against the conductor, resulting in an FIR and ongoing investigation.
Just last week, a contract conductor from the KSRTC was arrested in Mangaluru for allegedly molesting a female passenger on a public bus, with video evidence circulating on social media.
This incident occurred while the bus was traveling from the Mudipu-State Bank route near Mangaluru, capturing the conductor inappropriately touching the passenger, as filmed by another traveler.