RTC Buses Halted in Erstwhile Khammam District Over Conductor Pravallika’s Death

KHAMMAM: Bus services operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) depots in the erstwhile Khammam district were reportedly halted in protest following the death of conductor Pravallika, who succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday night.

Pravallika sustained serious injuries after she was allegedly pushed out of a moving RTC bus by a woman passenger following an argument over a bus ticket near Mittugudem in Aswapuram mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district during the last week of October.

According to reports, the passenger entered into an argument with the conductor over purchasing a ticket and allegedly pushed her out of the bus. Pravallika fell onto the road and suffered severe injuries to her legs after the bus ran over them. She was initially provided treatment locally and later shifted to Hyderabad for advanced medical care. However, she died on Tuesday night despite medical efforts.

Following her death, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and TGSRTC Managing Director Nagireddy visited the Osmania Hospital mortuary in Hyderabad and paid their last respects to the deceased conductor. The minister also consoled Pravallika’s mother and assured her that the RTC family would extend all possible support.

The minister announced that, following the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the government would provide a job to Pravallika’s mother and an Indiramma house to the family. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh jointly from the government and RTC. In addition, the family would receive Rs. 1 crore as accident insurance compensation through the bank under an RTC-related insurance arrangement.

Expressing grief over the loss, Ponnam Prabhakar said the death of an RTC family member was deeply painful. He said the management had made efforts to provide the best possible medical treatment immediately after the incident, but unfortunately, Pravallika could not be saved.

He said the government would ensure stringent legal action against the accused, adding that the case would be dealt with under the appropriate murder provisions following the conductor’s death.

The minister appealed to passengers not to take the law into their own hands and said any grievances against RTC employees should be brought to the notice of senior officials for appropriate action.

“Passenger convenience and the safety and welfare of RTC employees are equally important. Any disputes should be resolved through legal channels and not through violence,” he said.

He reiterated that the government was committed to the welfare and security of RTC employees and assured the bereaved family of continued support.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PV Satyanarayana

PV Satyanarayana[email protected]

P.V.Satyanarayana is a journalist with an experience of 20years. PV Satyanarayans has completed his post-graduation in MSc (Mathematics) from Allahabad University. Interested in writing *Feature Stories and political stories Hobbies: Reading Newspapers and listening to songs.

Read More