Dispute over minor’s ticket leaves RTC conductor critically injured in Kothagudem

An argument between an RTC conductor and a woman passenger over the purchase of a ticket for a minor boy and the return of change ended in a serious accident in Kothagudem district. During the ensuing scuffle, the conductor fell under the rear wheels of the bus and suffered severe injuries to her leg.

Kothagudem: An altercation between a passenger and a female RTC conductor over the purchase of a ticket for a minor boy and the return of change has proved costly for the conductor.

According to sources, passenger Mounika boarded a Pallevelugu RTC bus at Manuguru bus stand to travel to Mittagudem village, about five kilometres from Manuguru, availing zero-ticket facility.

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The conductor, Pravallika, demanded the woman to buy a ticket for her six-year-old son, but the woman refused, arguing that he was  only five years old and therefore did not need a ticket. Heated arguments continued between them for some time.

After the conductor insisted that she buy the ticket, the passenger finally conceded and gave Rs 100 for it. The conductor told the woman that she would hand over the change when she alighted at her destination.

However, when the passenger’s destination arrived, the conductor did not hand over the change and prevented her from alighting by standing on the footboard. She also demanded that the passenger accompany her to Aswapuram police station for creating a ruckus in the bus.

Subsequently, the passenger, while trying to get down from the bus, pushed the conductor, who came under the rear wheels of the bus and her right leg was crushed by the slowly moving bus. 

Based on a complaint filed by the Manuguru depot manager, Aswapuram police registered a case against passenger Mounika, said CI Yellaiah.

Conductor Pravallika was rushed to Manuguru Area Hospital, then to Bhadrachalam and later to RTC Hospital in Hyderabad. The passenger was taken into police custody.