Kerala bus conductor's licence suspended for denying entry to students

Thrissur: The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) in Kerala has suspended the licence of a private bus conductor for three months after he blocked students from boarding a bus at Wadakkanchery. The incident, which sparked public outrage, led to swift action by the authorities.

The conductor, identified as Ramadas from Mangalam near Wadakkanchery, has also been instructed to undergo a five-day training program at the Motor Vehicle Department's Institute of Driver Training and Research (IDTR) in Edappal.

Ramadas was summoned to appear before Joint Regional Transport Officer (RTO) S Sreejith on Thursday morning to provide an explanation for his actions. However, the explanation he submitted was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting the decision to suspend his licence.

The controversy began when students complained that the conductor refused to let them board the bus, even after they assured him they would travel standing. A video showing one of the students pleading with folded hands to be allowed entry went viral, drawing widespread criticism.

Although a petty case was initially registered against the conductor and a fine was imposed, the police have decided not to pursue further action. This decision came after students and their parents conveyed that they were not interested in escalating the matter. The students clarified that their primary concern was ensuring timely transportation after school, not seeking punitive measures against the conductor.