A controversy has erupted in the state of Karnataka's Shivamogga after a state transport bus conductor was accused of making communal remarks against Muslim passengers who mistakenly boarded a bus heading towards Shivamogga instead of K.R Pete.
A video of thye incident has gone viral on social media , Triggering public outrage and demands for immediate actionagainst the conductor .
According to reports, the incident allegedly took place on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus bearing registration number KA-42-F-2253.
when the conductor realized that the passengers had boarded the wrong bus he reportedly questioned them about the mistake . He was heard asking , " Can you just get on without even looking at the board ? ' While questioning the passengers the conductor allegedly made controversial remarks including asking , "Is this Afghanistan ? Pakistan ? ".
The remark have drawn criticism because they appeared to target the passengers' religious identity rather than simply addressing their travel mistake . A passenger boarding the wrong bus is a common mistake and such situation can be handled by providing proper directions and assistance .
The video began circulating widely on social media on November 9, 2026, with several users expressing anger over the alleged behaviour.
ಕೆ. ಆರ್ ಪೇಟೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಲು ತಪ್ಪಿ ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಬಸ್ ಹತ್ತಿದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ, ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ನೋಡಿ ಹತ್ತೋಕೆ ಆಗಲ್ವಾ? ಅಂತ ಗದರಿದ ಕಂಡಕ್ಟರ್, “ಇದೇನು ಅಫ್ಘಾನಿಸ್ತಾನವಾ? ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನವಾ?” ಎಂದೆಲ್ಲಾ ಕೂಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ಮುಸ್ಲೀಮರನ್ನು ಕಂಡಕೂಡಲೇ ಅವರನ್ನು “ಅಫ್ಘಾನಿಸ್ತಾನ, ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನ” ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯುವ ಈ ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕನ ಮೇಲೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಕ್ರಮ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. https://t.co/X3i3cWjyoY
— DEEPU GOWDRU (@DEEPUVAJRAMUNI) November 9, 2026
According to a report by Navasamaja transport department officials have been informed about the vehicle and the incident and the authorities have indicated that necessary action will be taken . However a detailed official inquiry and the final outcome of the matter remain to be established .
Passengers may sometimes make mistake while selecting buses or routes particularly at crowded bus station . Such suitation requires patience clear communication and assistance from transport staff .
If the remarks attributed to the conductor are confirmed through an investigation , appropriate departmental action should follow . Authorities must examine the viral footage , established the facts and ensure accountability .
The controversy has now become a topic of discussion on social media with people demanding that public transport services remain safe , respectful and free from religious discrimination .
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