Lokayukta orders probe into delay in medical aid for ailing BMTC passenger

The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu case against a BMTC official following an incident where an elderly passenger allegedly did not receive timely medical assistance at the Shivajinagar bus stand in Bengaluru.

Justice K.N. Phaneendra, the Upalokayukta, ordered the action against Chandrakala, Assistant Traffic Manager at the Shivajinagar BMTC TTMC. The move follows a newspaper report about the passenger who collapsed inside a bus and reportedly remained without help for over 30 minutes.

The passenger had boarded a BMTC bus from Ramamurthy Nagar. Upon reaching Shivajinagar, he suffered a seizure and became unresponsive. The driver and conductor reportedly struggled to move him out of the vehicle for more than half an hour.

This occurred despite the Commercial Street Police Station being only about 100 metres away and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital located nearby. Journalists at the scene called the emergency number 112. Police initially suggested taking the passenger to Bowring Hospital in the BMTC bus itself, but the driver expressed his inability to do so. The passenger was eventually brought out and handed over to police.

The Upalokayukta noted that passengers are entitled to basic facilities at bus stands, including access to emergency medical care. The order cited Article 41 of the Constitution, which obligates the State to improve public health, and the Supreme Court's interpretation of Article 21, which includes the right to live with dignity and access healthcare.

The BMTC Managing Director has been directed to examine shortcomings and take corrective measures. This includes assessing the need for medical facilities at all BMTC bus stands in Bengaluru and submitting a report on action taken. The matter is scheduled for hearing on October 12, 2026.