Two ambulance drivers thrashed over transporting body

BENGALURU: Two ambulance drivers were allegedly assaulted by two people, identified as Mahadevamma and Auto Manju, over transporting a body on October 15 at the Peenya crematorium, within the jurisdiction of RMC Yard police station.

The victims Shivaraju and Srikanth are the ambulance drivers. The accused Mahadevamma is the in-charge of SRS Crematorium and also runs her own ambulance service. She had employed Auto Manju as a driver.

Shivaraju and Srikanth had brought the body of Priyanka from Nelamangala Government hospital. A dispute broke out between Shivaraju and Srikant on the one hand and Mahadevamma and Auto Manju on the other, leading to a fight. Mahadevamma and Auto Manju allegedly assaulted the duo and used abusive language at them.

The issue began when Priyanka’s family asked Shivaraju and Srikant to transport the body. Mahadevamma claimed that she had been hired for the service and demanded Rs 2,500, which Priyanka’s family had already paid. However, the family decided to cremate the body instead.

Later, Priyanka’s family changed their decision and decided to bury the body. Shivaraju and Srikant were asked to transport the body again. Mahadevamma demanded an additional Rs 5,000 for the service from Priyanka’s family.

According to the ambulance drivers, Mahadevamm had threatened them that they got an order first and decided against confronting her as she is local.

Shivaraju and Srikant have filed a complaint at the RMC Yard police station, alleging they were attacked with an hacksaw blade. The police have registered a case and are investigating further.