NWKRTC suspends bus driver for offering namaz on duty in Karnataka

A file photo of an NWKRTC bus. The alleged incident took place around 5.30 p.m. on the Vishalgad to Hangal route, on April 30, 2025.  
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has suspended, till further inquiry, a bus driver on the charges of indiscipline and dereliction of duty. He faces the charge of stopping his bus to offer namaz on April 30.

NWKRTC Haveri Divisional Controller has issued an order suspending A. R. Mulla, alias Nayaz Mulla (Hangal depot), for stopping the bus on the Vishalgad to Hangal route around 5.30 p.m., and offering namaz in the seat behind the driver’s seat. A senior officer will inquire into the incident. Till the inquiry is completed, the driver-cum-conductor will remain suspended. He is eligible to claim 50% of his salary.

On April 30, images and videos of Nayaz Mulla stopping the bus on the Hangal-Vishalgad route to offer namaz had been shared on social media.

This prompted Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy to instruct NWKRTC officials to probe the alleged incident.

“Needless to say, staff on duty in government service must follow certain rules and regulations. Every person has the right to religious freedom. Those in public service can practice their religious rituals, but not when they are on duty. Stopping a bus packed with passengers in the middle of a journey to offer namaz is objectionable,” the Minister wrote.

“There should be an immediate investigation into this video, and appropriate disciplinary action should follow if the staff member is found guilty. Care should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” the letter stated.