A case has been registered by the police against a conductor of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for allegedly insulting a Plus Two student regarding her gender. This incident reportedly took place on a Priyadarshini bus operating near Kochi, as confirmed by officials on Monday. The conductor, identified as Mahesh, has been suspended following an initial inquiry conducted by the KSRTC Vigilance wing.

Details of the Event and Reactions

The incident occurred on Saturday when the student, along with her friends, boarded the bus travelling from North Paravur to Kochi. The student, who had shaved her head after visiting a temple, was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. Authorities stated that the conductor allegedly mistook her for a boy and issued her a ticket costing Rs 15. Upon requests for a zero-value ticket, which allows women to travel for free, the conductor allegedly made derogatory comments and questioned how he could have known she was female.

Following the incident, police have collected statements from the complainant, Mahesh, and other passengers who were present at the time. This indicates that there were multiple witnesses to the interaction, which will aid in the ongoing investigation.

In his remarks to reporters on Monday, Mahesh maintained that the situation was a misunderstanding. He explained that he initially believed the student was male, which led him to issue the Rs 15 ticket. According to him, he quickly provided a zero-value ticket once the student explained her gender. He stated, “I didn’t realise, because seeing her made me think she was a boy. Saying ‘sorry’, I issued the Rs 15 ticket.” Mahesh noted that even a nearby female passenger had initially mistaken the student for a boy.

Conductor’s Denial of Wrongdoing

Mahesh has denied making any abusive or insulting remarks towards the student, asserting that he is prepared to clear up the matter. He indicated that some passengers on the bus have also supported his account and have provided statements to the police.

The police confirmed that the investigation into the incident is underway. They have emphasised the importance of meticulously gathering evidence and comprehensively understanding various viewpoints before arriving at any conclusions. The case will continue to be examined with care to ensure fair treatment for all parties involved.

As the investigation progresses, both the KSRTC and the police aim to resolve the situation responsibly and ensure adherence to the rights of all passengers. Furthermore, they highlight the significance of sensitivity and awareness regarding gender identity in public settings.

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