Attacks on Priyadarshini Buses Prompt Stringent Legal Action by KSRTC

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has initiated stringent legal action against incidents involving attacks on its newly launched Priyadarshini buses, employees and attempts to disrupt fare-free services for women.

Under the Priyadarshini scheme, introduced by the UDF government as part of its poll promise, women are allowed to travel free of charge on KSRTC ordinary buses. The corporation said it would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards attacks on its buses, staff and public property.

In one incident, a Priyadarshini bus was allegedly intercepted at Chempu near Vaikom on July 23 by employees of a private bus firm. They allegedly abused KSRTC staff, attempted to assault them and caused damage to the state-run bus. Following a complaint by the KSRTC driver, police registered a case, including provisions under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, and launched an investigation.

In another incident on July 24, two youths allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and assaulted KSRTC driver S Rajeev without provocation while he was operating a Kollam-Pathanamthitta service near Bharanikkavu. The injured driver is currently undergoing treatment at Sasthamkotta Taluk Hospital, while a police complaint has been filed.

KSRTC said such attacks were being viewed with the utmost seriousness and that it was coordinating with the state police to ensure strict legal action. The corporation added that all available legal provisions would be invoked against those who obstruct public transport services, damage public property or assault employees.

It also warned that habitual offenders would face exemplary legal action and appealed to passengers and members of the public to immediately inform authorities about any such incidents.