Bus Driver Stops Vehicle Midway to Offer Namaz, Faces Action After Passenger Complaint

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A shocking incident has come to light in Karnataka where the driver of a state transport corporation bus stopped the bus in the middle of the road and started praying while sitting on the driving seat. This incident happened on Tuesday evening near Javeri on Hubli-Haveri road.

The driver stopped the bus and read namaz on the seat, passengers complained; now action will be taken: When the passengers present in the bus saw this scene, they made a video in surprise and made it viral on social media. After this, the whole matter escalated. In the viral video, it can be clearly seen that the driver is offering namaz while sitting on the seat and the traffic around is passing fast, while the passengers in the bus look helpless.

Reacting to the incident, some passengers lodged a complaint with the concerned department, following which the Karnataka State Transport Corporation has started investigating the matter. State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy wrote a letter to the Karnataka State Transport Corporation, saying, "It is mandatory for employees working in public service to follow the rules and regulations. Irrespective of the religion followed, such activity is not acceptable while on duty."

The minister further said, "It is improper to stop the bus in the middle of the road and offer namaz despite the presence of passengers in the bus. The matter should be investigated immediately and if the driver is found guilty, strict disciplinary action should be taken against him." The transport department has assured that strict instructions will be issued in future to prevent recurrence of such incidents. At present, the investigation is underway.