Bus strike hits Dharmatala Route 54 after alleged drunken assault on employee by TMC worker

Bus services on Route No. 54, which operates between Balikhall and Dharamtala, have been suspended since early morning today due to a strike by bus employees. The protest follows an alleged incident on the previous night in which Bappi Patra, a member of the Trinamool Bus Union, reportedly assaulted a bus driver while intoxicated. The incident, which occurred when the driver, Manish Singh, was resting in the bus, involved Patra allegedly abusing and pushing Singh. The driver did not resist, fearing escalation of the situation.

Singh, who reported the incident to his employer, chose not to retaliate during the altercation, believing that doing so might have resulted in further harm. Following the incident, other bus workers became enraged, leading to the decision to halt bus services on the route. Normally, around 20 buses run on Route 54, providing critical transportation for daily commuters, particularly during office hours.

The strike has caused significant disruption, leaving passengers stranded and unable to find alternative modes of transport. Authorities are investigating the matter, and local transit officials are working to resolve the issue. However, no buses have been operating on Route 54 since the morning, and the strike continues as workers demand action and justice for the alleged assault.