Ettumanoor/Pala: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) on Tuesday night seized a private bus operating on the Pala–Kanjirappally route, alleging that it did not possess a valid permit. The bus, named Vajra, was taken into custody at Erattupetta around 8 p.m.

According to MVD officials, the bus was operating without a valid permit. The seizure led to a heated argument between officials and bus owner Robin Gireesh after authorities directed that the vehicle be parked at the station. Gireesh maintained that it was not his driver's responsibility to park a vehicle taken into official custody and insisted that the MVD itself should arrange for the bus to be parked.

Robin Gireesh and the Motor Vehicles Department have been at odds for years over issues related to the All India permit of the bus. Gireesh claimed that the vehicle holds a valid permit until August and is operating legally. He alleged that the bus was stopped unnecessarily.

Meanwhile, Gireesh filed a police complaint alleging that the MVD had misplaced the bus's original key. The vehicle was later released after fines were imposed for not carrying the required documents and for the conductor not possessing a valid licence.

Gireesh alleged that the action was part of a continuing vendetta by officials. However, MVD authorities said that despite a court order, the vehicle had not been produced before the department and the necessary permit for operating the service had not been obtained.