A Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) conductor suffered severe injuries to both legs after a passenger allegedly pushed her from a moving bus during a dispute over change for a Rs 100 note in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Sunday, according to police.
The incident occurred near Mittagudem in Aswapuram mandal while a Palle Velugu bus operated by the Manuguru depot was travelling from Manuguru to Bhadrachalam. The injured conductor, identified as Pravalika, was first taken to Bhadrachalam area hospital in a 108 ambulance and later shifted to Hyderabad for advanced treatment.
Aswapuram inspector Yellayya said the passenger, identified as Mounika, had boarded the bus with her son and asked for a half ticket for him. She handed the conductor a Rs 100 note, after which a dispute began over the balance amount. Although Mounika later agreed to purchase the ticket, the disagreement continued over when the change would be returned.
According to the police account, Pravalika told Mounika to collect the balance while getting off the bus. Mounika insisted that the money be returned immediately, leading to another argument as the bus approached the Mittagudem stop.
Police said Pravalika intended to take the passenger to Aswapuram police station to lodge a complaint over the altercation. She allegedly stopped Mounika from getting down and asked the driver to move the bus ahead. During the ensuing confrontation, Mounika allegedly pushed the conductor through the bus doorway while the vehicle was moving.
Pravalika fell onto the road, after which the rear wheels of the bus ran over her right leg, severely crushing it. She also sustained serious injuries to her left leg. Local residents and fellow passengers helped her and arranged for emergency medical transport before she was shifted to Hyderabad.
Police took Mounika into custody in connection with the incident. A case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the Manuguru depot manager, and an investigation is under way, inspector Yellayya said.
