Belagavi: A bus driver and conductor from the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) were reportedly assaulted by a group of youths following a language dispute in Belagavi.
Officials stated that the incident occurred around 12:30 PM near Sulebhavi on a semi-urban CBT-Sulebhavi bus. A boy and girl who boarded the bus allegedly threatened the conductor because he could not speak Marathi, and they subsequently called their friends to attack the staff at Balekundri. The altercation resulted in the conductor suffering from internal injuries.
Marihal Police have arrested three suspects: Maruti Turumuri, Rahul Naidu, and Balu Gojagekar, and apprehended one minor in connection with the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rohan Jagadhish visited the conductor at BIMS Hospital in Belagavi to check on his condition. The conductor reported that he was assaulted due to his lack of proficiency in Marathi. Allegations have been made that when he attempted to file a police report, he was suggested to reach a compromise.
DCP Rohan Jagadish assured that the situation would be thoroughly investigated, and necessary actions taken. The accused were presented in court on Friday, which ordered them to 14 days of judicial custody.
Last year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of protecting the Kannada language, land, and water, encouraging everyone in the state to learn Kannada. He stated that speaking one’s mother tongue should be a source of pride and declared that residents of Karnataka should communicate in Kannada. He noted that while Kannadigas are accommodating, the same level of acceptance is not observed in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra, or Kerala, where only the local language is predominantly spoken.