In a disturbing incident highlighting unruly tourist behaviour, the driver of a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was assaulted by two individuals from Amritsar after a minor collision near the Parwanoo bypass on Thursday evening.
Incident Details
The bus driver, Girija Ram, aged 40, had applied brakes suddenly at a speed breaker, resulting in a minor collision with a car following behind. After stopping to assess the damage, two occupants of the car got out and began abusing and physically attacking the driver.
Escalation and Intervention
The assailants tried to retrieve a weapon from their car but were overpowered by bus passengers. A policeman present at the scene attempted to calm the situation but was allegedly ignored. The policeman later stated that he too might have been manhandled had the passengers not intervened.
Viral Video and Reactions
A video of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. HRTC employees demanded strict action against the culprits. The bus was en route from Rampur to Ambala; no injuries were reported.
Legal Action
Girija Ram lodged a complaint with the Parwanoo police, leading to an FIR under Sections 115(2), 132, 221, 224, and 3(5) of the BNS. These charges include voluntarily causing hurt, assaulting a public servant, obstructing a public servant, threatening a public servant, and common intention. SP Solan Sai Dattatreya Varma confirmed that further investigation is underway.
