Outrage in Mayurbhanj as Bus Conductor Forces Minors to Travel 25 km Over Rs 10 Fare Dispute

Mayurbhanj, Odisha – September 8, : In a disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage across Odisha, a government bus conductor forced two minor boys to travel nearly 25 kilometres beyond their intended destination over a Rs 10 fare dispute.

Piyush, a Class VI student from Baishinga, and his cousin Rohit, a Class VII student from Nadpur, boarded the Mukhyamantri Bus from Nadpur Chhak.

They assured conductor Pratap Baitha that Piyush’s father would pay the fare upon arrival at Baishinga.

However, when the father failed to appear at the stop, Baitha refused to let the boys alight and compelled them to continue to the final stop at Kanthi in the Kalama area.

Stranded for two hours, the boys were only returned to Baishinga when the bus made its return trip.

The incident triggered a confrontation at Baishinga market, where locals and family members publicly reprimanded the conductor, forcing him to apologise and perform sit-ups as punishment.

The episode has ignited widespread concern over child safety and accountability in public transport, with many calling for stricter regulations and disciplinary action against negligent staff.