The driver of a bus in Delhi was suspended by the government on Thursday due to an alleged failure to stop at a women-specific bus stop, as evidenced by a video that was circulated on the internet, news agency PTI reported. The video captures the moment when three females attempt to get on a bus that had come to a halt, allowing a passenger to disembark at a designated stop. The women were left behind as the driver drove away without any delay.
According to a government official, the bus driver has been recognized and is presently under suspension.
The chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has stated that there are instances where male drivers refuse to halt their vehicles for female passengers. He has also declared that strict measures will be taken against those who act in this manner.
"There are complaints that drivers do not stop buses after seeing women since they have the facility of free travel. This won't be tolerated at all," Kejriwal tweeted.
"I appeal to all male and female bus drivers to stop the bus at the designated stop," he said.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot encouraged individuals to record and disseminate videos capturing similar occurrences after retweeting the chief minister's post.
"The driver and other staff have been identified. Strict action is being taken. This type of behaviour by any bus driver is unacceptable," he added.
The gratuitous travel amenity for females on DTC and cluster buses commenced from October 29, 2019. Official data reveals that in the year 2021-22, free rides were provided to female commuters on DTC and cluster buses, with numbers calculated at 13.04 crore and 12.69 crore respectively.