Updated

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Apr 7: The KSRTC depot manager Uday Shetty responding to Reddy's allegation stated, that the mechanic came to work of his own will and was not called to work. “We did not call him to work. None of our technical staff has reported for work today. Even drivers have not come to work. It was only him who came to work," he said. 

KSRTC depot manager Uday Shetty (left) Mechanic Srikanth Reddy (right)

“Srikanth Reddy is an alcoholic and has the habit of skipping work often. He has spread rumours for publicity to tarnish the image of the organization. I have not exerted any pressure on him,” said the Udupi KSRTC depot manager.    

Reddy had accused the manager of the KSRTC depot in the city of forcefully confining him in the depot and making him work on the day of the statewide strike.

Earlier Report

Udupi: ‘Manager confined me to get work done,’ alleges KSRTC mechanic

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, Apr 7: The manager of KSRTC in the city forcefully confined me in the depot and made me work when other employees of the KSRTC are on a strike,” said a mechanic on Wednesday, April 7.

Srikanth Reddy is the mechanic who alleged that his manager blocked him inside the depot and made him to work. He explained his ordeal in front of the media and said, "No one is questioning why I am working even on the day when all the other employees of KSRTC are protesting. My manager has locked me from outside and has prevented me from going outside. He has threatened me that I have to do my duty till my case gets cleared.

Mechanic Srikanth Reddy

"I am a poor person. I survive because of KSRTC. As I was threatened, I am working here. I do not know anything else except this organization. Do you know why we need the facilities of the Sixth Pay Commission? You have money, we do not have. That is why we are asking for a hike in salary.

"Politicians will not understand our difficulties. Because we have voted these people are doing politics. If I had money, I would have entered politics.

"Priests of temples are given salaries in accordance with the sixth Pay Commission. Are we dead? Do not do politics for your personal gain. Serve the people. You people who fight among yourselves on the basis of caste are MLAs. Let your caste politics go to hell,” he said.