PANJIM: A Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus was burnt at Hubli by angry protestors agitating against Goa’s opposition to the Kalsa Bhandura Project at Mhadei, prompting the KTC to suspend all operations to Karnataka until the situation returns to normal.
Bus number GA03 X 0332, from the Margao depot, was set alight at 3.30 am when the conductor and driver had gone to freshen up for the return trip.
Information available with Herald says that the bus has suffered 70 per cent damage causing a loss of at least Rs 25 lakh to KTC.
According to Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner Ravindra Prasad, at about 3.30 am some miscreants came to the KSRTC depot on motorcycles and poured kerosene on the bus, which was parked inside.
“We have got some clues as there were CCTV cameras fitted at the depot and hopefully we will arrest them soon,” Prasad told Herald from Hubli in a telephonic conversation.
The Commissioner said that since there is a bandh in Hubli over the Mhadei issue there is no tension. “Everything is peaceful as there is a bandh called in Hubli in wake of the Mhadei issue. At 6 pm the bandh will end and we have made all security arrangements,” he said.
He said police protection will be provided to all KTC buses to avoid any untoward incident.
KTC General Manager Vallabh Kuncoliencar, speaking to Herald, said that following the incident they have issued orders suspending all operations (except Karwar) until the situation returns to normal.
“We have 39 routes in Karnataka including Belgavi, Bagalkot, Hubli, Dharwad etc and we have suspended all operations,” he said.
KTC chairman Carlos Almeida said he has nothing to say on the incident. “I am just going to the office and will hold a meeting and then decide our future course of action,” he told Herald.
