Language dispute turns ugly, bus conductor attacked by group in Karnataka

A bus driver and conductor of North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) were allegedly assaulted by a group of youths following a dispute over Marathi language in Belagavi.

According to officials, the incident happened on Friday around 12:30 pm near Sulebhavi.

The incident occurred when the conductor told a boy and girl, who boarded the semi-urban CBT-Sulebhavi bus, to buy tickets in Kannada. The couple reportedly insisted that he first speak in Marathi. When the conductor said that he did not know the language, they allegedly threatened him. The duo went on to call their accomplices who assaulted them at Balekundri.

The conductor sustained internal injuries in the incident.

The Marihal Police have arrested three individuals and apprehended one minor, in connection with the assault.

The arrested individuals are Maruti Turumuri, Rahul Naidu and Balu Gojagekar.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rohan Jagadhish visited the BIMS Hospital in Belagavi and enquired about the health of the conductor.

The conductor stated that he was assaulted for not knowing Marathi. There are allegations that when the conductor went to file a police complaint, he was advised to compromise.

DCP Rohan Jagadish assured that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken.

The three accused were presented in a court on Friday. The court ordered 14 days of judicial custody for the accused.

Last year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that it was the responsibility of every Kannadiga to protect the Kannada language, land and water and urged everyone in the state to learn the language.