Haveri: A North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) driver from the Haveri division has been placed under suspension for abandoning his duties to perform religious practices during work hours. AR Mulla, a driver from the Hanagal unit, was caught in a controversial incident on April 29, 2025, when he stopped his vehicle on the Vishalgad to Hanagal route around 5.30 pm. The video had gone viral on social media. According to reports, Mulla parked the vehicle on the side of the road just past the Gatturu Cross on the outskirts of Hubballi, engaged the handbrake, and left the driver’s seat to perform ‘Namaz’ (prayer) in the passenger section, despite the vehicle being occupied by passengers. The act of halting the bus and performing religious rituals during public service hours has sparked concerns about his disregard for duty and raised negative public opinion about the corporation. Following the incident, the Divisional Security Inspector for Haveri issued a report, citing violations of Karnataka Road Transport Corporation’s disciplinary guidelines. The driver’s actions were seen as a disruption to public service, with the social media backlash intensifying the matter. The corporation, following internal protocols, decided to place Mulla under suspension with immediate effect, pending further inquiry.
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