A wake-up call against public transport harassment? A recent viral video from Bengaluru surfacing on the internet has shocked many people. It displays a heated argument aboard the BMTC between a woman and a bus conductor which quickly escalates to a physical fight between the two. The video is receiving divided opinions on the internet.
The video shows the woman saying in Hindi, "How dare you touch me" while the bus conductor can be seen as furious. The woman then moves forward and slaps the conductor after he says something (inaudible) to the woman. Following this, the situation escalates and in retaliation, the bus conductor can be seen thrashing the woman with repetitive slaps.
Horrific Assault In Bengaluru Bus
Following the outrage sparked by the video, the BMTC took swift action, announcing the conductor's suspension. "Based on the said social media news, disciplinary action has been initiated against Mr. Honnappa Nagappa Agasar, conductor, with immediate effect," an official BMTC release stated. The release further emphasized the BMTC's commitment to prioritizing the safety of women passengers.
The woman passenger, shaken by the ordeal, lodged a complaint against the conductor at the Siddapur police station. Police have registered charges against the conductor for assault and other offences. The brutal assault on the woman passenger captured on video is a horrifying reminder of the dangers women face on public transport and the lost temperament of a bus conductor so easily attacking a woman is disturbing.
Reports suggest that the argument stemmed from a ticket dispute as in a police statement after the arrest, the assaulting conductor stated that the woman tried to avail the free bus ticket facility for women but failed to present her Aadhar card even after two stops. The bus conductor asked her to buy a fair ticket.
The viral video has also sparked digital debates as well and many netizens opined the actions taken against the conductor were "criticism", many pointed out that the woman triggered him first and actions against her must be taken instead.
Where Do We Go From Here?
While the swift suspension of the conductor is a positive step, it doesn't erase the fear this incident evokes.
The BMTC's focus on women's safety through initiatives like separate seating and panic buttons is commendable. However, are these enough?
A zero-tolerance policy for violence against passengers needs strong enforcement. Strict penalties and swift dismissals will send a clear message. Even empowering women passengers is key. Awareness campaigns promoting bystander intervention and the proper use of panic buttons can make a difference. There is also a dire need to strengthen police presence around bus stops and deploying undercover officers on buses could act as a deterrent.
Watch the video here:
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