Tiruchendur: The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has revoked the licenses of VVS Tours & Travels and its conductor after a Muslim woman was denied entry onto a bus despite holding a valid ticket.
The incident occurred when the woman, wearing a burqa, attempted to board the bus on her way to Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi district. Other passengers were allowed to enter, but she was stopped by the conductor. A heated argument followed, during which the woman demanded an explanation. The conductor claimed he was following instructions from the bus owner and even shared the owner’s phone number.
A video of the confrontation spread rapidly on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. The footage showed the woman questioning the discriminatory decision and the conductor failing to provide a valid reason. The viral clip led to public outrage, pushing TNSTC to act swiftly.
Officials canceled the licenses of both the bus company and the conductor, stressing that such acts of discrimination violate state policies and will not be tolerated. The corporation reiterated that all operators under its purview must ensure equal treatment of passengers regardless of attire, religion, or background.
The incident has sparked discussions on accountability in private transport services that run under state authority. Activists and community leaders have urged transport regulators to strengthen monitoring to prevent similar cases in the future.
