Bus driver under probe for offering namaz during duty in Karnataka

HAVERI: A bus driver from the Hanagal depot has come under scrutiny for allegedly stopping his vehicle to offer namaz while on duty near Belagavi on Tuesday.

According to NWKRTC Haveri Divisional Traffic Officer Ashok Patil, the driver, A. K. Mulla, paused the bus journey to perform the prayer.

"A video of the incident surfaced on social media and went viral, prompting our security team to begin an investigation," Patil told TOI. The bus was en route from Hanagal to Vishalgad at the time.


"We're currently gathering statements from the conductor, Hadimani, and attempting to reach out to passengers. A detailed report is expected within the next 2–3 days, after which appropriate action will be taken against the driver," he said.

The act has sparked criticism online, with many users arguing that conducting religious practices while on duty is inappropriate.

[With TOI inputs]