A shocking incident unfolded on a KSRTC bus in Mysore, Karnataka, on Monday, November 24, 2025, where a woman was captured on video physically assaulting a bus conductor. The altercation reportedly stemmed from her demand for a free ticket under the state government's Shakti scheme. The video of the incident quickly went viral across social media platforms.
The Incident: What Happened?
The heated argument escalated when the woman, identified as a local resident, reportedly insisted on a free ticket, despite not meeting the necessary criteria or possibly due to a misunderstanding of the scheme's terms.
- Verbal Altercation: The video shows a tense verbal exchange between the woman and the male KSRTC conductor.
- Physical Assault: The situation spiraled when the woman began to physically assault the conductor, hitting him repeatedly in full view of other passengers.
- Mid-Way Exit: Following the assault, the woman reportedly demanded the bus be stopped and disembarked midway through the journey, leaving the conductor and fellow passengers bewildered.
Viral Video and Public Reaction
The incident was filmed by another passenger and quickly spread online, drawing widespread condemnation.
- Outrage: Social media users expressed outrage over the woman's behavior, criticizing the assault on a public servant and demanding stricter action against such conduct.
- Conductor's Plight: Many sympathized with the conductor, who appeared to try and de-escalate the situation before being physically attacked.
Every Free Ride Shouldn’t Come at the Cost of Employee Safety
— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) November 24, 2025
Every single day, incidents of verbal abuse, harassment, arguments, and even physical assaults are being reported across various bus services. Transport employees, who are dedicated to serving lakhs of passengers, are… pic.twitter.com/B53kWcS1Cu
The Shakti Scheme and Its Controversies
The Shakti scheme, launched by the Karnataka government, offers free travel for women in non-premium government buses across the state. While largely popular, it has faced several operational challenges and controversies, including:
- Misunderstandings: Frequent arguments have been reported between conductors and passengers over eligibility criteria, valid identification, and the types of services covered under the scheme.
- Conductor Burden: Bus conductors often bear the brunt of passenger frustrations, leading to stressful working conditions.
- Increased Footfall: The scheme has led to a significant increase in women passengers, sometimes resulting in overcrowded buses and logistical issues.
This particular incident highlights the darker side of these challenges, where disagreements can unfortunately escalate into aggression.
Official Response and Investigation
As of now, it is unclear if an official police complaint has been registered by the KSRTC or the conductor. However, given the viral nature of the video, it is expected that the transport authorities will launch an internal inquiry.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for both public awareness regarding scheme rules and increased protection for public transport staff.
