Road rage: Row over Thiruvananthapuram mayor blocking RTC bus; transport minister seeks report

Meanwhile, the driver alleged that police have refused to register a case lodged by him against the mayor for blocking the bus in the middle of the road. He also said that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) authorities have asked him not to report for duty.

Police arrested the driver based on the mayor’s complaint that he misbehaved with her. The driver was released as the case was registered for a bailable offence, police said.

The driver has also complained to the police against the mayor.

Later, speaking to reporters, the driver alleged that the mayor’s vehicle attempted to overtake the KSRTC bus on the wrong side.

He also alleged that the mayor’s husband MLA KM Sachin Dev forced passengers to get off the bus after blocking it on the road.

They also allegedly coerced a man into deleting a video of the incident from his mobile phone, the driver alleged.

The driver also stated that he was not aware that Rajendran was the mayor and Sachin Dev was the MLA.

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Rajendran rejects allegations

Rejecting the allegations, Rajendran said that this was not an issue of giving way for her car, in which she and her family members were travelling.

She claimed they intervened when the bus was about to hit their car from behind. When she and her sister-in-law looked at the driver through the window panes on the back, he allegedly made sexually suggestive gestures at them and overtook their vehicle, the Mayor alleged.

She also said that the bus was not blocked, and she spoke to the driver when all vehicles were stopped at a red signal.

The Mayor further alleged that the driver shouted at them when they questioned his alleged misbehaviour.

She claimed that the driver was rash and negligent and they intervened after the bus was about to hit their car from behind.

When she and her sister-in-law looked at the driver through the window panes on the back, he allegedly made sexually suggestive gestures at them and overtook their vehicle, the mayor alleged.

However, the driver told the media that it was the mayor and her family who created the problems.

“She blocked the bus and caused issues. I will pursue the matter legally,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)