Conductor Orders Masked Minister Byrathi Suresh Off Hebbal Bus Over Rs 12

Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, traveling incognito, was ordered off a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus traveling from Hebbal to Nagashettihalli on Saturday night after he failed to provide the exact change of Rs 12. The minister, who was wearing a face mask to conceal his identity, quietly complied with the conductor's demand, leading the BMTC management to launch an inquiry into the conductor's conduct.

The incident occurred between 7:10 PM and 9:10 PM as part of an unannounced weekend outing. Suresh boarded the bus operating between Hebbal and Nagashettihalli to gather firsthand experience regarding commuter grievances and assess actual road operations.

After seeking two tickets, the minister handed the conductor a Rs 100 note. The conductor demanded the exact change of Rs 12 and opened his cash pouch to prove he had no loose coins or smaller bills. He then told the masked minister to get down at the next corner if he could not pay the precise fare. Choosing not to reveal his identity on the spot, Suresh quietly stepped off the vehicle.

Following the revelation of the passenger's true identity, the BMTC management launched an inquiry into the conductor's behavior.

This interaction was part of a larger inspection where the minister traveled across several major areas, including RT Nagar, CBI Road, and Manyata Tech Park. During the same outing, Suresh monitored another BMTC bus and witnessed the driver accelerate past the Fun World bus stop, ignoring a passenger. The minister immediately intervened and ordered senior transport officials to suspend the driver, Mustaq, and the conductor, Dayanand. Dayanand has since contested the suspension, arguing the location was not an authorized stop.

Suresh also took a brief autorickshaw ride from Nagashettihalli, during which the meter showed Rs 30, but the driver demanded Rs 36. The minister ultimately paid Rs 40, encountering the overcharging that regular city commuters face.