Karnataka Minister Calls For Probe After Bus Driver Offers Namaz Mid-Route: 'Even If Everyone Has Right...'

The video, which has sparked debate on social media, shows a driver-cum-conductor stopping the bus mid-journey to perform the Islamic prayer, while passengers remained inside the vehicle.

The minister said that it is objectionable to perform namaz by stopping the bus midway, and disciplinary action will be taken if the staff is found guilty.

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Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed an immediate inquiry into a viral video showing a North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) staff member offering namaz after halting a bus en route from Hubli to Haveri on the evening of April 29.

The video, which has sparked debate on social media, shows a driver-cum-conductor stopping the bus mid-journey to perform the Islamic prayer, while passengers remained inside the vehicle.

Reacting to the incident, Minister Reddy told ANI, “The staff working in a public service have to follow specific rules and regulations compulsorily. Even though everyone has a right to practice any religion, they can do so except during office hours. It is objectionable to perform namaz by stopping the bus midway, even though there are passengers travelling in the bus. It is instructed to conduct an immediate enquiry into the said viral video and to take disciplinary action if the staff is found guilty."

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy says, "A video has been viral in the media, about a Driver-cum- Conductor of North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) offering 'namaz' by stopping bus enroute plying between Hubli to Haveri on 29th April evening. The staff…

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025