Sun Feb 23 23:51:09 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka-Maharashtra Border Tensions Flare After Bus Conductor Assault

**Belagavi/Mumbai, February 24, 2025** – Tensions remain high along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border following the assault of a North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus conductor on Friday. The incident, sparked by a request for the passenger to speak Kannada, led to retaliatory actions on both sides, including the suspension of bus services and vandalism of vehicles.

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy is visiting Belagavi today to assess the situation and hopes to resume bus services from the Karnataka side. Officials indicate that resumption is likely if tensions don’t escalate further. Minister Reddy condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence between linguistic communities and calling for action against those involved in the attacks and vandalism of buses in both states.

Five people, including a minor, have been arrested in connection with the assault on the conductor, Mahadevappa Hukkeri, who remains hospitalized in Belagavi. The situation took a further twist on Saturday with a counter-case filed against the conductor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alleging attempted molestation.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers protested by blackening Karnataka-registered buses in Pune. Conversely, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists halted some Maharashtra buses. Currently, buses operate only up to the state border. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that MSRTC buses will remain suspended until inter-state ministerial talks occur. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan urged the central government to expedite the long-standing border dispute case before the Supreme Court. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president is scheduled to visit Belagavi on Tuesday to denounce the attack on the conductor.

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