Thrissur: Employees of a private bus operating between Thriprayar and Thrissur were fined after allegedly arguing with a passenger who was later identified as Joint Regional Transport Officer CV Manjula. Officials later found multiple rule violations during an inquiry into the incident.

The incident occurred around 5:45 pm on Monday, while the bus was operating on the Thriprayar-Thrissur route.

According to reports, Manjula boarded the bus from Thriprayar while travelling to Thrissur. During ticket distribution, the conductor allegedly informed passengers that the bus would not continue to Thrissur and that all passengers would have to get down at Kanjani.

Passengers objected, questioning why the bus displayed a Thrissur destination board if it was not planning to complete the journey. Manjula also questioned whether the vehicle’s permit was not meant for service up to Thrissur.

Reports said the conductor responded aggressively and allegedly warned passengers that they would be forced to alight at Kanjani. However, both the Joint RTO and passengers refused to leave midway and insisted that the service continue to Thrissur.

The bus eventually completed the trip to Thrissur.

During the journey, Manjula reportedly noticed several other violations. The bus door allegedly remained open throughout the trip from Thriprayar to Thrissur.

Authorities also found that the person performing conductor duties was actually a door checker who did not possess a conductor’s licence. Reports stated he was unfamiliar with issuing tickets and operating the ticket machine.

Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector TG Nishanth later conducted an investigation, which confirmed multiple violations. Officials also found that the bus routinely terminated service midway instead of completing the permitted route.

Following the inquiry, authorities imposed a fine of Rs 9000 on the bus. Driver Arif’s licence was also suspended for dangerous driving.