Fri Sep 12 17:16:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, written as if it were published in The Hindu:
**The Hindu: Srikakulam Bus Incident Highlights Tensions After “Stree Shakti” Launch**
**Srikakulam, September 12, 2025:** A heated argument over seating on an APSRTC bus traveling between Tekkali and Dimmidijola in Srikakulam district escalated into violence on Friday, leaving a middle-aged woman reportedly injured after being attacked with a sharp object.
The incident occurred after the woman was allegedly denied a seat by a young man, identified as a mechanic, who reportedly used a tool from his shop to threaten her during the dispute. A video of the confrontation has since gone viral.
APSRTC officials have launched an inquiry into the incident. According to the bus driver and conductor, the increasing number of arguments of similar nature can be attributed to the recent implementation of the “Stree Shakti” scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. They claim that the influx of female passengers since the scheme’s launch on August 15th, 2025, has made it difficult for male ticket-holders to secure seats.
The incident raises concerns about the potential unintended consequences of the “Stree Shakti” initiative and the need for APSRTC to address the rising tensions among passengers due to limited seating availability.
First Piper 