Language Dispute Leads to Assault on NWKRTC Staff in Belagavi

An altercation over language differences led to the assault of a bus conductor and driver by a group of youths in Belagavi. The tension escalated after the staff were threatened for not speaking Marathi. Four individuals, including a minor, have been apprehended by police amid ongoing investigations.

In a troubling episode in Belagavi, a bus driver and conductor affiliated with the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) were allegedly assaulted by a gang of youths over a language-related disagreement. The altercation reportedly occurred around 12:30 PM on Friday near Sulebhavi.

The incident began when a boy and girl, boarding the semi-urban CBT-Sulebhavi bus, allegedly threatened the conductor for his inability to converse in Marathi. Matters deteriorated when the duo summoned their companions, resulting in an attack at Balekundri that left the conductor with internal injuries.

In response, Marihal Police apprehended three individuals – Maruti Turumuri, Rahul Naidu, and Balu Gojagekar – along with one minor. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rohan Jagadish inspected the injured conductor at BIMS Hospital and stated that an investigation is underway with the assurance of appropriate action. The accused were presented in court and placed under 14 days of judicial custody.