Security concerns rise as violence involving bus crew repeats on Kochi roads

The District Superintendent of Police (Kochi City) cited the highly competitive nature of the sector as a major factor fueling road rage and confrontations. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Recurring incidents of unruly behavior by some of the private bus crew have raised public concern.

At least five cases of such attacks have been reported from the city in the past two months.

In the latest incident, the Elamakkara police arrested a 30-year-old bus driver — Mansoor Marakkar of Thevakkal, Thrikkakar — for allegedly engaging in a verbal altercation with other motorists after blocking a public road near Edappally post office. The bus he was driving was detained by the police.

Recently, the Central Police arrested three bus employees — MZ Nahas, MZ Nasrudeen and Bristo Mathews — for allegedly beating up an autorickshaw driver near Ernakulam North Town Hall on August 28. Police later discovered the bus had about 200 outstanding traffic tickets and revoked its registration and permit.

Earlier in August, employees of another private bus were arrested for allegedly assaulting three women and two men near Ernakulam North after an argument.

The July incidents involve the alleged assault of a two-wheeler lawyer after a dispute over reckless driving with bus staff and the assault of a passenger who intervened when staff of two other buses clashed over travel timings.

District Superintendent of Police (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the directive to make police clearance certificate (PCC) mandatory for bus crew would be strictly implemented in the wake of repeated incidents.

He cited the highly competitive nature of the sector, caused mainly by tight timetables, as the main reason fueling road rage and confrontations.

The officer said the proposed QR code based check point system is expected to improve the situation.

Special drive

Meanwhile, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) recently conducted a special drive in the district during which cases were recorded in 81 buses. An aggregate fine of ₹1,21,250 was imposed on the offenders.

Enforcement RTO Biju Isaac said that although PCC was made mandatory last year after frequent complaints, many employees were found to be uncertified. He urged bus operators to ensure that their employees do not commit criminal activities. “The public should also file complaints whenever they encounter unruly behavior or violation of rules,” he said.

The Ernakulam Private Bus Operators Association said it is supporting the police and MVD in checking criminal elements in the sector. “Vehicles that are often involved in such incidents are not our members. We have denied membership to about 60 buses which were found to be causing trouble frequently,” association president KB Suneer said.

However, Mr Suneer cited practical difficulties in obtaining PCCs for employees and urged authorities to relax norms and grant permits to those booked for minor offences.

Published – 05 Sep 2026 07:00 IST