The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended a conductor involved in a fatal electric bus accident at the Peenya Bus Stand, which left one woman dead and four others injured. The move comes after CCTV footage from the bus was reviewed. The outsourced private company operating the e-bus has terminated the services of the designated driver.

The accident occurred on July 18 morning when 41-year-old conductor Ramesh attempted to move a stationary BMTC electric bus (KA 51 AK 4170) at the Peenya bus stand. With the driver away for a short break, Ramesh, after obtaining signatures from a BMTC official, decided to move the vehicle to make space for other buses. However, he lost control of the vehicle and drove the bus into a makeshift eatery on the roadside.

Suma, a 25-year-old woman from Mandya who lived in Sunkadakatte and worked in a private firm, was standing near the stall. She died on the spot. Four others sustained injuries. The bus reportedly travelled 50 to 80 metres before halting.

Police from the Peenya Traffic Station arrested Ramesh shortly after the incident. Investigations revealed that Ramesh had previously served as a BMTC driver and had shifted to conductor duties in the previous year. Although he had experience driving buses, he was not authorised to drive at the time of the accident, according to BMTC officials.

A senior BMTC official confirmed Ramesh’s suspension and said that a detailed inquiry is under way. “We are reviewing how such a lapse occurred, and are taking necessary disciplinary measures,” the official said.