Hyderabad: A 24-year-old Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) woman conductor, who was allegedly pushed out of a moving bus by a female passenger following an argument over change for a ₹100 note, has died while undergoing treatment. The deceased, identified as Pravallika, was critically injured in the incident in Aswapuram mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Despite receiving specialised treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad, doctors could not save her.
The incident took place on October 25. According to the reported sequence of events, the dispute began when a woman travelling on the bus with her son got into an argument with Pravallika over purchasing a ticket for the child.
The passenger subsequently bought a ticket and paid with a ₹100 note. She demanded that the conductor immediately return the balance after deducting the ticket fare. Pravallika reportedly told her that the remaining amount could be paid when the passenger reached her destination.
The passenger refused to accept the explanation, leading to a heated exchange between the two. During the argument, the woman allegedly pushed Pravallika out of the moving bus.
The young conductor fell onto the road, and the rear wheel of the bus ran over her legs, leaving her with severe injuries. She was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment. As her condition required specialised medical care, she was later shifted to Hyderabad. However, Pravallika succumbed to her injuries despite medical efforts.
Police arrested the woman passenger in connection with the incident. She is currently in judicial custody. News of the conductor’s death has triggered widespread outrage over the violence against a frontline public transport employee.
Government Announces Financial Assistance
Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced a series of support measures for Pravallika’s family following her death.
The government will provide ₹10 lakh in financial assistance to the family. The minister also announced that Pravallika’s mother would be offered a government job. In addition, the family will be included in the government’s housing scheme and provided with a house.
The tragic death of the young conductor has brought renewed attention to the safety of public transport employees, particularly those who deal directly with passengers during daily operations.
