Commuters stranded in Thondamuthur as bus services halted following scuffle

Coimbatore: Tension prevailed near Thondamuthur on Saturday after a confrontation between a govt bus driver and occupants of a car led to the suspension of services of 10 govt buses on the stretch, leaving dozens of commuters stranded late into the night.The incident occurred at Viraliyur in Coimbatore district. A 25-year-old woman from Cuddalore district was picked up by her friends in a private car after she appeared for a competitive exam in a private college at Viraliyur. As they were heading towards Coimbatore, a government bus on Route 21G, coming from the opposite direction, reportedly brushed against the car's side-view mirror near Thondamuthur. This triggered an argument between the occupants of the car and the bus driver, Ravikumar. Witnesses said the verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation. When locals tried to pacify the group, the car passengers allegedly turned on them as well. In the ensuing commotion, the car driver reportedly drove the car away from the scene recklessly, further fuelling the anger of onlookers and transport workers. Demanding police action against the occupants of the car, drivers of more than 10 government buses halted their vehicles at Thondamuthur. The sudden flash strike caused hardship for daily wage labourers and students. With no alternative transport available in the rural area, many were seen waiting for hours to reach their destinations. Thondamuthur police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.