Pune: An off-duty PMPML bus driver , who was travelling in a bus owned by the transport utility along Sinhagad Road, allegedly assaulted a passenger after they entered into an argument on Friday afternoon. Officials of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) confirmed the incident. Satish Gate, public relations officer with PMPML, told TOI, "The Swargate depot bus was moving towards Naregaon from Civil Court at the time.
As per information available with us, the incident occurred around 4.30pm. There was a PMPML bus driver who was off duty travelling in the same bus, standing near the front door.
As the bus approached the Hingne bus stop, an altercation began between him and another passenger, who was also standing near him." According to the official, the argument took a violent turn after the driver hit the passenger with an iron rod, leading to the bus stopping its trip. "The man, who happens to be a senior citizen, was bleeding heavily.
The off-duty driver, who is yet to be identified, rushed out of the bus and fled. After a while, the driver of the bus, identified as Devram Shinde, took the vehicle to a private hospital in Anandnagar. The injured man was treated by doctors and had to get some stitches before being released," added the PRO, assuring strict action.
An official with the accident section of the utility said that the on-duty driver of the bus told them that the man who assaulted the passenger was also a PMPML driver. The police also confirmed the inci.