Thu May 01 06:28:19 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Bus Driver Under Investigation for Stopping Bus to Pray
**Belagavi, Karnataka, May 1, 2025** – The Karnataka State Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, has ordered an investigation into allegations that a North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus driver stopped his vehicle to perform namaz while on duty. The incident allegedly occurred on April 29th on the Hangal-Vishalgad route.
Social media posts featuring images and videos purportedly showing driver Nayaz Mulla from the Hangal bus depot stopping the bus to pray in his seat prompted the inquiry. While acknowledging the driver’s right to religious freedom, Minister Reddy stressed that public servants must adhere to their duties. Stopping a passenger bus mid-journey is unacceptable, he stated in a letter to the NWKRTC Managing Director. The investigation aims to determine the veracity of the allegations and prevent similar incidents.
First Piper 