Belagavi, Karnataka – A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act against an NWKRTC bus conductor, who was assaulted in Balekundri (KH) on Friday for not conversing in Marathi with a passenger. Police confirmed that the passenger in question, a college student, is a minor girl.
According to the complaint filed by conductor Basavaraj Hukkeri, the altercation began when he asked the minor’s male companion to purchase a ticket. The girl allegedly insisted that he speak to her in Marathi, leading to a verbal dispute. Later, around 20 individuals boarded the bus at Balekundri and physically assaulted both the conductor and the driver, Rajesab Momin. Hukkeri is currently receiving treatment at a Belagavi hospital.
Protests Escalate Over the Incident
The incident has ignited protests, with Kannada activist groups condemning both the attack on the bus staff and the Pocso case against the conductor. Activists of Karnataka Nava Nirmana Sene blackened the face of a Maharashtra bus conductor and vandalized a bus windshield in Chitradurga. Meanwhile, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists demonstrated at Marihal police station and Channamma Circle.
Arrests and Border Tensions
Authorities have arrested four individuals, including a minor, in connection with the assault. While three were remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, the minor was sent to a remand home on Friday night. The situation has also led to disruptions in bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra, with Kannada groups in Karnataka and Shiv Sena activists on the Maharashtra side staging protests.
Police Action and Border Security Measures
Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang confirmed that three teams have been formed to locate the remaining accused. He added, “Precautionary measures are being taken to maintain law and order. SPs along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border will be coordinating on preventive actions.”
With tensions rising between pro-Kannada and pro-Marathi factions, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
