Dajiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 23: State transport minister Ramalinga Reddy has strongly defended a state road transport corporation (RTC) conductor booked under the POCSO Act, calling the case "bogus" and demanding the deportation of those who assaulted him.
The controversy erupted after a group of passengers, including a minor girl, allegedly attacked the conductor for asking them to speak in Kannada. While the conductor later filed a police complaint regarding the assault, the minor girl accused him of misbehavior, leading to a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident has heightened tensions in the border districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Minister calls for action against ‘troublemakers’
Speaking in Bengaluru on Saturday, Reddy asserted that the charges against the conductor were fabricated.
“After the incident, they filed a POCSO complaint against the conductor. This is a completely bogus case. Those attempting to create disharmony over land, water, and language issues should be deported from the state,” he said.
He also pointed to recent incidents of language disputes in border areas. “In Chitradurga, Kannada flags were fixed on Maharashtra RTC buses. Similarly, when our buses go to Maharashtra, they paint them black. Such acts should not be tolerated, and those responsible should be expelled,” he added.
Reddy said he had discussed the matter with home minister G Parameshwara, the Belagavi police commissioner, the superintendent of police, and the KSRTC managing director. “The POCSO case is baseless and should not be given importance. I will ensure that no disciplinary action is taken against the conductor. Local organizations have come out in his support, which will give him moral strength,” he stated.
Protests in Belagavi
The incident has sparked protests in Belagavi, with Kannada activists blocking the Belagavi-Bagalkot road, demanding action against those who assaulted the conductor.
Police detained several protesters, including women, and took them to an undisclosed location.
Reacting to the unrest, Reddy reiterated that those living in Karnataka should learn Kannada. “People are free to speak their mother tongue, Marathi, but in Karnataka, they must also speak Kannada,” he said, urging all political parties to condemn such incidents.