Toilet break turns chaotic on KSRTC bus; driver’s timely move restores calm

Pathanamthitta: An argument that erupted on a KSRTC bus over a delay caused by passengers using the washroom ended peacefully at the courtyard of the District Police Chief’s office, following timely action by the driver.

The incident took place on Wednesday evening on a bus operated from the Erumeli depot, which was travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Mundakayam. The bus reached the Pathanamthitta depot at around 3:30 pm. As it prepared to depart, a few passengers requested permission from the conductor to use the washroom and stepped out.

When the bus remained halted for a long period and the passengers did not return, discontent began to surface among those seated inside. Tensions rose further after word spread that the passengers who had stepped out were having tea nearby.

Several travellers expressed anger, stating they could not wait any longer and demanded that the bus proceed. After some time, a few of the delayed passengers returned, followed by the rest. However, they found their seats occupied by others.

When they asked those seated to vacate the places, the request was ignored. Other passengers then urged everyone involved to step down and allow the journey to continue without disruption. The conductor attempted to intervene and calm the situation. By then, the argument had intensified. The driver, disturbed by the commotion inside the bus, noticed that the vehicle was near the District Police Chief’s office. Acting swiftly, he drove the bus straight to the office entrance and brought it to a halt.

Police personnel, noticing the noisy arrival of the bus, stepped out and prepared to handle the situation. After understanding the issue, the officers instructed those involved to resolve the matter.

When the police informed them that they would have to pay for the entire trip, those who had started the argument backed down. Following this, everyone boarded the bus quietly and occupied the seats allotted to them.