BMTC Drivers and Conductors Request Permission to Carry Guns for Self-Defense Amid Rising Attacks

BENGALURU – BMTC drivers and conductors have written to Managing Director Ramachandran, requesting permission to carry firearms for self-defense following a recent attack on a conductor. The plea comes after a violent incident on October 1, when a passenger stabbed a BMTC conductor, sparking concerns for safety among the workforce.

The attack occurred near ITPL, where a Jharkhand native, Harsh Sinha, stabbed conductor Yogesh, who is now receiving intensive care at Vydehi Hospital. In response, the bus staff are urging authorities to grant them gun licenses for protection, citing rising violence against workers.

Workers Request Gun Licenses for Self-Defense Following the recent stabbing of BMTC conductor Yogesh, drivers and conductors submitted a formal request to BMTC Managing Director Ramachandran. In their letter, they stressed the need for firearms for self-defense, noting that daily confrontations with aggressive passengers have left many vulnerable to violent assaults.

Attack on Conductor Sparks Safety Concerns The incident that triggered the plea took place on October 1 at the ITPL bus stand near Whitefield. A passenger, identified as Harsh Sinha, stabbed conductor Yogesh during a dispute. Yogesh is currently in the ICU, fighting for his life. This attack has highlighted the dangers BMTC staff face regularly.

Growing Threats on Bengaluru's Roads BMTC staff have described increasing tensions on Bengaluru's congested roads, where verbal disputes with passengers and other motorists often escalate into physical altercations. The letter emphasized the mental strain drivers and conductors endure due to aggressive behavior from passengers, particularly from out-of-state commuters.

Formal Letter Highlights Risks The letter penned by conductor-driver Yogesh Gowda on behalf of his colleagues points out the daily risks BMTC staff face, especially in traffic-dense areas. It mentions that incidents like the October 1 attack are becoming more common and that employees need the ability to defend themselves from life-threatening situations.

Response from BMTC Pending BMTC management is yet to respond to the request for gun licenses, but the letter has drawn attention to the safety concerns of thousands of employees. BMTC drivers and conductors now await action to ensure their safety amid rising incidents of violence.