Pathanamthitta: Adoor police have launched an investigation following an incident where a passenger verbally abused and allegedly assaulted a KSRTC bus conductor. The altercation took place on Saturday night aboard a bus travelling from Kayamkulam to Adoor, during its final journey of the day at around 8:40 pm.

The dispute began when Manish, a conductor from the Adoor depot, requested to inspect the passenger's ticket.

Upon reaching Athikkattukulangara near Adoor, Manish conducted a headcount of passengers and discovered an individual without a valid ticket.

As the conductor proceeded to check tickets, a confrontation ensued when he approached the accused. The passenger became increasingly aggressive, shouting and attempting to assault the conductor.

The passenger disparaged KSRTC employees, taunting them over delayed salaries, provocatively stating, "I earn a salary of Rs 2 lakh rupees. Did you receive your salary last month? Did your family have kanji (rice gruel)?"

Video footage capturing the incident has surfaced online, clearly showing the passenger's abusive behaviour towards Manish.

A formal complaint has been filed against the passenger for assault attempt, verbal abuse, and failure to produce a valid ticket.