The police have arrested two individuals for badly damaging a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Volvo bus which was going from Manali to Chandigarh by pelting stones at it at the Kullu Bus Stand on Sunday late night. The incident followed an argument over the bus route, prompting HRTC authorities to seek immediate security measures and strict legal action. One accused is still absconding.
Driver Hemraj stated that the bus had stopped at the Kullu stand for refuelling when three individuals approached it. After learning that the bus was heading to Chandigarh, they demanded to be dropped at Kaithal in Haryana. When the driver and conductor explained the fixed route and refused, the accused youths became aggressive.
“The conductor tried to calm them down, but they slapped him and tore his uniform. One of them also hit me in the eye,” Hemraj said. The attackers then pelted stones at the bus, breaking the front and side windowpanes. The conductor immediately informed the control room and the police.
Khub Ram, in-charge of the Kullu Bus Stand, said that another bus had to be arranged to take stranded passengers, causing a delay of at least an hour. He also pointed out the serious lack of security at the privately managed bus stand.
He said security at the bus stand was only for namesake, with guards often missing from duty. He stressed the need for proper police deployment, especially at night, to protect passengers and staff. He added that the accused should pay for the damage and the replacement bus. He also added that complete recovery and strict action must be taken against the accused. He also urged the administration to provide proper security to prevent such incidents in future.
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