Bus driver suspended for trying to run over woman in Bengaluru | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: A BMTC bus driver has been suspended after he allegedly tried to run over a woman during a road-rage incident in central Bengaluru recently.The May 23 incident at Queens Circle came to light after a video clip went viral. Deekshitha Reddy Y, 30, a medical student residing at Vinayaka Layout in Vijayanagar, stated in her complaint to Cubbon Park traffic police that she was driving on Kasturba Road when the bus coming from behind hit her SUV, causing damage to it.When she confronted the bus driver, Puneeth, by standing in front of the vehicle, he allegedly drove it forward. She escaped unhurt by moving to the left side of the bus.A senior officer said it was found that Deekshitha had earlier argued with a truck driver over reckless driving near Hudson Circle. The bus, which happened to be passing by, got stuck in traffic. The bus driver allegedly passed comments at her, prompting her to follow the vehicle and try to block its path. The bus then hit the SUV and the driver fled the scene.Deekshitha stated that she only wanted an apology from the bus driver. A case has been registered against the driver under BNS Section 281 (rash driving) and relevant sections of the IMV Act. The bus has been seized, and action is being taken against Puneeth, police said.However, Puneeth told the media that the woman was arguing with a truck driver after overtaking from the left and getting between the truck and the bus. As this was causing a traffic jam, he merely pointed out her reckless driving and moved ahead. Puneeth claimed that she then started driving her SUV, attempting to block the bus’s path. He maintained that he did not intend to run over her and was only trying to steer the bus to the left side when she was directly in front of the vehicle. He alleged that she tried to stop the bus and even attempted to assault him.BMTC, in its clarification, stated that the incident stemmed from a minor collision. The woman exited her SUV and stood in front of the bus at a signal, blocking its path in an attempt to question the driver. The bus driver allegedly tried to move the vehicle forward while she was still standing in front. Based on initial findings, the driver has been placed under suspension pending a departmental inquiry.