‘Ama Bus’ vandalised, driver abused by auto-rickshaw driver in Odisha’s Cuttack

An alleged vandalism and abuse involving an ‘Ama Bus’ driver was reported on Sunday from Khannagar area in Cuttack City.

Also Read: Was Ama Bus ransacking in Bhubaneswar deliberately targeted?

According to the complaint, an auto-rickshaw driver and a few others stopped an Ama Bus on Route Number 18, damaged the vehicle and verbally abused the driver near Sai Mandir, shortly after the bus left Netaji Bus Terminal.

The incident occurred in the morning when a marathon event in Cuttack led to the closure of one side of the road. Due to traffic restrictions, the bus was diverted through an alternative route. During this diversion, a group of persons, including an auto driver, allegedly blocked the bus, hurled abuses at the driver and vandalised the vehicle.

Fortunately, no passengers or staff members were injured in the incident. The matter has been reported to the local police authorities. Photographs of the alleged misbehaviour and videos showing damage to public property have been handed over to Purighat Police for investigation.

Police officials stated that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found taking the law into their hands or damaging public transport and public property.

The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) authority strongly condemned the attack and appealed to the public not to harm Ama Buses under any circumstances.

However, no comments were received from either CRUT or local police in this regard.

Worth mentioning, after the alleged ransacking of public transport buses (Ama Bus) following an accident that occurred in Bhubaneswar on January 23, questions were raised whether ‘Ama Buses’ are being deliberately targeted.

It is said that a bike rider had entered from the wrong side, lost control, and collided with the bus. CCTV footage has clearly established this sequence of events.

Despite this, the Ama Bus was subjected to severe vandalism. At the time of the incident, the bus was carrying passengers, yet a group of youths allegedly created chaos, endangering passengers’ lives by pelting stones at the bus and breaking its glass windows.

Reported By: Arun Kumar Sahu