Language Clash in Belagavi: Bus Conductor Assaulted

A bus conductor was attacked near Belagavi for not speaking Marathi, highlighting linguistic tensions in the region. The incident has sparked protests by pro-Kannada activists, demanding action against the attackers. This adds to the ongoing border dispute about Belagavi's status, with some calling for its merger with Maharashtra.

A bus conductor for the state-owned transport corporation was assaulted on the outskirts of Belagavi for not speaking Marathi, police reported on Friday.

The conductor, Mahadevappa Mallappa Hukkeri, aged 51, told reporters through tears that he faced abuse from a Marathi-speaking woman passenger. The situation escalated when a crowd attacked him.

Pro-Kannada activists protested, demanding the arrest of those involved. The incident has potential to exacerbate the regional border dispute, with parts of the Marathi-speaking population pushing for Belagavi to join Maharashtra.