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Journalism of Courage
A video of a bus driver watching Bigg Boss, the popular reality show in India, on his mobile phone while driving at nearly 80 kilometres per hour in Karnataka has triggered debate on passenger safety on social media. The incident was recorded around 2.50 AM during a journey from Mumbai to Hyderabad.
In the viral video, the driver is seen placing his phone just below the steering wheel and streaming the show as the bus navigates down the highway in the middle of the night. Shocked by the dangerous behaviour, one of the passengers recorded the incident and posted it online, tagging VRL Travels in the complaint.
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Following the backlash, the company launched an internal investigation and confirmed that the driver had been terminated immediately. Responding to the video, the travel company wrote, “We would like to inform you that the very next day after receiving the complaint, we took prompt action and terminated the driver.”
“Vijayanand Travels maintains zero tolerance for any action that compromises passenger safety. With over 1,300 drivers in our travel division and 10,000+ drivers in logistics, we continuously conduct regular safety training and awareness programs. Incidents like this are extremely rare, and we sincerely thank you for bringing it to our attention,” the statement added.
However, the video divided the Internet with several users extending support to the driver. “During night rides people see just to stay awake and not fall sleepy that’s the main reason men,” a user wrote. “Whatever he watch what is your problem…? The thing is passanger safe reach or not that’s all …actually the person who recorded he is criminal …taking video others without permission,” another user commented.
“His license should be suspended and the Bus operator should be penalized heavily,” a third user reacted.
On November 5, a bus collided with a truck near Chevella, Telangana, killing 19 people, including the drivers of both the bus and the truck.
