NewsFlash Daily™
12 April
BMTC cracks down after staff allegedly misused free travel scheme and diverted passenger payments through personal QR codes
Bengaluru: Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has suspended four bus conductors after an internal probe found misuse of the Shakti free-bus scheme and collection of passenger fares through personal UPI accounts.
Officials say the fraud may involve lakhs of rupees, with more employees likely to face action as the investigation widens.
Men Allegedly Given Free Shakti Tickets
Under the Shakti scheme, free travel is meant for eligible women passengers. However, some staff members allegedly issued these zero-fare tickets to male passengers who could not read Kannada text printed on the ticket, while collecting cash privately.
Investigators reportedly found suspicious deposits and irregular account activity linked to some employees.
Public welfare schemes depend on trust. Misuse hurts both passengers and taxpayers.
Personal UPI QR Codes Used Instead of the Official Payment System
BMTC buses have official QR codes to help passengers make digital payments. But some conductors allegedly removed or avoided the official codes and asked passengers to scan their personal UPI QR codes instead.
This meant money meant for the corporation was allegedly routed into private accounts.
Amounts Reportedly Detected
According to reports, the following suspicious amounts were found:
- Suryanarayana – Rs. 54,290
- Bommalingesh C. – Rs. 16,404
- Brijesh Babu – Rs. 9,795
- Mohan – Rs. 6,117
Authorities are reportedly checking more accounts.
More Than 10 Staff Under Scanner
Security inspections reportedly found that over ten conductors may have been involved, with transactions ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs50,000 in some accounts.
So far, four have been suspended pending further proceedings.
