Telangana: Woman Bus Conductor Dies After Being Pushed From Moving Bus Over Rs 90 Change Dispute

A 24-year-old woman conductor working with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) died on Tuesday night after allegedly being pushed out of a moving bus during an argument with a passenger over ₹90 in change. The deceased, identified as Gundla Pravalika, had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad after sustaining severe injuries in the incident, which occurred on October 25 near Mittagudem village in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

According to police, the incident took place when a woman passenger, identified as Mounika, boarded a Palle Velugu bus travelling from Manuguru to Bhadrachalam with her son. She reportedly handed Pravalika a ₹100 note for a ticket costing ₹10. As the conductor did not have sufficient change, she allegedly asked the passenger to collect the remaining ₹90 while getting off the bus. This led to an argument between the two.

Police said the dispute escalated as the bus approached Mittagudem, where the passenger allegedly pushed Pravalika out of the moving vehicle. She fell onto the road, and the bus's rear wheels ran over her legs, leaving her critically injured. Pravalika was initially shifted to a hospital in Bhadrachalam before being moved to Hyderabad for advanced medical treatment. Despite doctors' efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on November 3. Following the incident, police registered a case and took the accused passenger into custody. Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the conductor's death and conveyed his condolences to her family. The state government announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh and assured the family of a house under the Indiramma Indlu housing scheme. It also promised a government job to Pravalika's mother. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar also expressed condolences and assured support to the bereaved family.

The incident triggered protests among TGSRTC employees, who demanded strict action against the accused and stronger safety measures for transport workers. Employees staged demonstrations across several depots in the undivided Khammam region, raising concerns over the safety of conductors and drivers while performing their duties. The incident has renewed concerns over violence against public transport employees, who regularly deal with passengers over ticketing, fares and other travel-related issues.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from TOI.