Trichy Bus Driver Arrested for Assaulting Passenger Over Rash Driving Complaint
A private bus driver in Trichy has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a passenger who asked him to avoid driving rashly. The incident, which occurred at the Trichy bus stand, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread outrage and calls for action.
Details of the Incident
The complainant, identified as M Saravanan, is a 47-year-old resident of Arimalam in Pudukottai district. Saravanan, who works as a driver in Chennai, boarded the private bus named 'Sankar' near Trichy Junction around 5.30 am on Friday. He was heading toward the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Integrated Bus Terminus in Panjapur.
The bus was driven by R Anburaj, a 30-year-old from Srirangam, with Murugan from Mannargudi serving as the conductor. As the bus approached the bus stand at high speed, Saravanan requested the driver to slow down and avoid rash driving. Instead of complying, Anburaj allegedly rebuked him, leading to a heated argument.
Escalation and Assault
The argument continued even after the bus reached the bus stand around 6 am. Once Saravanan alighted from the vehicle, Anburaj also got down. In a shocking turn of events, the driver publicly abused Saravanan, slapped him multiple times, and threatened him with dire consequences. This aggressive behavior was witnessed by other passengers and bystanders, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Police Action and Arrest
Following the assault, Saravanan filed a formal complaint at the Edamalaiyapatti Pudur police station. The police swiftly acted on the complaint, tracing the bus's registration number and contacting its owner, Sankar from Woraiyur. Based on the evidence and Saravanan's account, they arrested Anburaj shortly afterward.
Legal Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Anburaj has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the seriousness of his actions. The charges include:
- Section 296(b): For using obscene words in a public place.
- Section 115(2): For voluntarily causing hurt to another person.
- Section 351(3): For criminal intimidation, which involves threatening someone with injury to their person, reputation, or property.
These charges highlight the legal repercussions for such misconduct, emphasizing the importance of passenger safety and responsible driving. The case serves as a reminder for transport operators to adhere to traffic rules and maintain decorum while on duty.
