Transport Minister Orders Action After Sabarimala Pilgrims Dropped Midway; KSRTC Driver Dismissed, Conductor Transferred
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Transport Minister Shri K. B. Ganesh Kumar has ordered strict action against KSRTC staff in connection with an incident in which Sabarimala pilgrims were dropped off midway. The minister directed that the temporary driver be removed from service and that the conductor be transferred to Kanhangad in Kasaragod district. He also ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.
The Distressing incident involved a group of 13 pilgrims who had taken tickets from Pamba to Nilakkal. The incident occurred last night. Instead of dropping the passengers at the Nilakkal stand, the bus reportedly stopped about one kilometre away in a forested area and asked them to get off without entering the stand. The group, belonging to Kollam district, included elderly people and a young child.
The issue became controversial after visuals of the pilgrims walking through the forest area surfaced. The group later continued their journey by hiring another vehicle.