Team Herald
MARGAO: A dramatic scuffle broke out in broad daylight on the main road at Aquem, Margao, as bus conductors and drivers clashed over picking up passengers and violating route schedules. The Margao police arrested eight individuals, including drivers and conductors, following the altercation.
The brawl, which lasted over half an hour, saw two groups engaging in a street fight, disrupting traffic and causing chaos. In the melee, one of the conductors’ clothes were torn, and he was taken to the Margao police station shirtless.
According to a complaint filed by the Margao Traffic Cell, the incident involved two bus conductors and several drivers. PI Traffic Cell, Sanjay Dalvi, confirmed that all eight individuals were arrested under Section 151 of the CrPC as a preventive measure. Passengers from both buses were forced to disembark, with some opting to walk from Aquem to Margao.
The clash reportedly started when a bus, already carrying passengers, stopped at Aquem—an unofficial halt. A second bus soon arrived at the same spot, leading to an argument between the two conductors over delays in departure. The verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical fight, drawing in other individuals.
A traffic constable stationed at the site witnessed the altercation and attempted to intervene before alerting PI Traffic Cell, Margao. A police team later arrived at the scene, detained all involved, and took them to the police station.
Following the incident, PI Dalvi stated that a report would be sent to the RTO, recommending the suspension of permits for both buses.
Despite Aquem not being an official bus stop, buses often halt there for extended periods to pick up passengers arriving from trains at Margao Railway Station. Locals have questioned why authorities allow buses to park at the spot, leading to frequent congestion and disputes.