Puttur: Police register suo motu case against private bus staff over violent clash

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, July 16, 2026: Uppinangady police have registered a suo motu case against two private bus conductors for allegedly engaging in a violent clash inside a passenger bus over a dispute related to bus timings, causing panic among commuters, including women and children.

The incident occurred on July 14 following an argument between the conductors of the Arafa and Lakshmi private buses, which operate on the Uppinangady–Mangaluru route.

According to police, Naushad, the conductor of the Arafa bus, allegedly boarded the Lakshmi bus carrying an iron rod while passengers were seated inside and assaulted its conductor, Khalandar alias Shahid. During the altercation, Shahid allegedly retaliated by assaulting Naushad with his hands, leaving both men injured.

The injured were admitted to the Puttur Government Hospital for treatment. However, neither of them filed a complaint with the police.

Since the incident occurred in broad daylight in the presence of passengers and members of the public, and allegedly involved the use of a dangerous weapon, disrupting public peace and safety, Uppinangady police have registered a suo motu case and launched an investigation into the incident.