BMTC driver attempts suicide over ‘harassment’ at work; critical in ICU

BENGALURU: A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous liquid at the Rajarajeshwari Nagar bus depot, allegedly due to harassment from seniors, on Friday morning.

The driver Ranganath is now battling for life in the ICU at the hospital where he is admitted. He was rushed to hospital by some of his colleagues. Family members and BMTC employees rushed to the hospital on getting information.

The BMTC driver’s wife and sister speaking to the media.

His wife Ramya, who was in tears, said, “He kept saying only one thing — not to spare Shobha and that such a thing should not happen to anyone else. From October last year, he had not been going to work due to the harassment he was facing. About 15 days ago, he rejoined work. He was very hurt about being denied work”.

Divisional Controller (west) Srinath also visited the hospital and inquired about Ranganath’s condition. The depot authorities have deposited Rs 50,000 towards treatment, he said and added that an inquiry will be conducted against the inspector Shobha about whom Ranganath has complained.

Yogish and Jagadish have called for strict action against the officials involved.

Yogish, a former employee, said an FIR should be filed against the officials responsible. He also appealed to BMTC staff not to resort to suicide for any reason.

Jagadish, the president of the KSRTC employees union, said, “I know Ranganath for the last 15 years. Harassment from seniors is increasing every day. He had not been assigned any duty for the last one year. The seniors are continuously harassing the staff. He is in a critical condition now”.