Insaaf Times Desk
In Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, a controversy erupted after a private bus conductor barred a Muslim woman wearing a burqa from boarding a bus. Following the circulation of a viral video, the State Transport Department canceled the bus operator’s license and suspended the conductor.
The incident occurred near Tiruchendur, where the woman wanted to board a bus to Kayalpatnam. Despite holding a valid ticket, conductor Veerabhadra denied her entry, while allowing other passengers to board without restriction.
The viral video clearly shows the argument between the woman and the conductor. The woman presented her ticket and requested permission to travel, but the conductor cited instructions from the bus owner, stating, “Women wearing burqas are not allowed to board the bus.” He even handed her the owner’s phone number.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) immediately canceled the permit of VVS Tours & Travels and revoked the conductor’s license. The department stated, “Denying any passenger public transport services on the basis of religion or attire is unconstitutional and punishable under law.”
The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media. Numerous civil society organizations and human rights activists condemned the act as religious discrimination and called on the government to take strict action.
