BENGALURU:
In light of the escalating Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra, bus services from Karnataka have been suspended following the burning of a KKRTC bus in the neighboring state.
Unidentified miscreants set fire to a bus owned by the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation near Turori in Umarga taluk of Maharashtra. The bus, which belonged to a depot in Bhalki taluk, was en route from Bhalki to Pune.
As a result, bus services from Kalaburagi and Bidar to Maharashtra have been temporarily halted.
At the time of the incident, there were 39 passengers on the bus. The driver and conductor acted swiftly to ensure their safety by moving them to a secure location. Prior to setting the bus on fire, the miscreants had vandalized the windows.
Following the incident, a case was filed at the Ummarga police station against more than 10 individuals based on a complaint by KKRTC conductor Anil, according to corporation MD Rachappa in an interview with Public TV in Kalaburagi. Approximately 25 KKRTC buses are currently parked near the police station and will be escorted to the state border once the situation stabilizes. Rachappa stated that further action will be taken based on video evidence.
In addition, bus services from Belagavi have been limited to Nippani.
As a precautionary measure, over 130 buses that travel to various parts of Maharashtra from Belagavi have been halted since 8 am this morning. These buses will only operate up to Nippani, which is located on the state’s border with Maharashtra.
In Bengaluru, the Home Minister G Parameshwara has addressed the issue of police preparedness in the border districts of Belagavi and Bidar, regarding the situation in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the police forces in these areas have already been sensitized and made aware of the prevailing circumstances. To ensure the safety and security of the region, KSRP platoons have been deployed in sensitive areas.
The Home Minister further highlighted the recurring event known as “Black Day” in Belagavi, which takes place annually on November 1. This day witnesses the arrival of ministers from Maharashtra who often make provocative statements. However, the authorities have been actively taking measures to prevent any disturbances during this event, and they will continue to do so this year as well. It is important to note that if any trouble arises within our borders, appropriate legal action will be taken to maintain law and order.
