The Maharashtra government has suspended state transport bus services from Kolhapur to Karnataka indefinitely, citing safety concerns for passengers and employees amid rising tensions over a language dispute.
The decision comes after allegations that a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus driver was assaulted by pro-Kannada activists in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district on Friday. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik claimed that driver Bhaskar Jadhav was attacked and his face blackened while operating a bus from Bengaluru to Mumbai.
Bus Services Halted for Safety
Abhijit Bhosale, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of MSRTC, confirmed the suspension, stating, “As per the directions of Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, ST buses going from Kolhapur to Karnataka have been cancelled indefinitely for the safety of passengers and employees.” The Maharashtra government has also demanded that the Congress-led Karnataka government clarify its stance on the issue before resuming services.
Background: Assault on Conductor in Belagavi
The move follows a related incident in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, where four individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting a Karnataka state transport bus conductor, Mahadevappa Mallappa Hukkeri, after he failed to respond to a passenger in Marathi.
Hukkeri claimed that a 14-year-old girl and her male companion boarded his bus in Sulebhavi village and spoke to him in Marathi. He responded that he did not understand Marathi and requested her to speak in Kannada. He alleged that she then insulted him, saying he must learn Marathi. The situation escalated when a crowd gathered and attacked him.
The conductor sustained minor injuries and was admitted to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences. However, he was also booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following a complaint by the girl.
Rising Tensions in Border Dispute
The incident has reignited historical tensions between Maharashtra and Karnataka over the Belagavi district, which has a significant Marathi-speaking population. Pro-Kannada activists staged protests outside Marihal police station, condemning the assault on Hukkeri and claiming the case against him was fabricated.
Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang urged calm, stating, “The issue can be handled through investigation. There is nothing to be concerned about. Peace should be maintained by everyone.”
Call for Resolution
As tensions continue to rise, the Maharashtra government’s decision to suspend bus services highlights the deep-rooted language and territorial disputes in the border region. Authorities from both states are being urged to address the situation to prevent further escalation.
Sources By Agencies
