RTC conductor faces probe over alleged financial, sexual exploitation
In Short
M Baby Shalini of Kongaravaripalle brought the matter to the notice of transport minister M Ramprasad Reddy during her visit to his camp office at Tadepalli.
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APSRTC
Tirupati: A complaint alleging financial exploitation and sexual assault by an APSRTC conductor has prompted the state transport department to order a departmental inquiry. The complainant, a woman from Chandragiri mandal, has alleged that the conductor obtained nearly Rs 20 lakh in cash and gold from her after establishing a personal relationship with her.
M Baby Shalini of Kongaravaripalle brought the matter to the notice of transport minister M Ramprasad Reddy during her visit to his camp office at Tadepalli. She reportedly submitted documents and other material to support her complaint and sought immediate action against the employee.
According to the complaint, Shalini came into contact with conductor V Subramanyam during her frequent bus journeys between Chandragiri and Tirupati. She alleged that their acquaintance developed into a close relationship over time, with the conductor telling her that he was in love with her.
She claimed that she subsequently began giving him money at different times. Apart from handing over cash, she alleged that several payments were made to him through UPI and that she also bought gold for him. The combined value of the money and jewellery, according to her complaint, was approximately Rs 20 lakh.
The woman has also made serious allegations regarding his conduct towards her, claiming that he continued to pursue her and sexually assaulted her. She said the alleged incidents left her in considerable mental distress.
To substantiate her claims, she reportedly handed over transaction records, details of communications exchanged through phone calls and messages, bills relating to gold purchases and other documents to the minister.
After receiving the complaint, the minister spoke to the Tirupati APSRTC regional manager over video conference and instructed him to examine the allegations in detail. The official was asked to submit findings after conducting the inquiry. The minister made it clear that disciplinary action should be taken against the conductor if the allegations were established. He also directed APSRTC authorities to ensure that employees maintain appropriate professional behaviour while dealing with passengers.
