For over a year now, KC Janardhan, a 54-year-old visiting professor at Bangalore University and a resident of Fort Area, has been fighting a losing battle against private travels operating long-distance buses, parked illegally in his locality.
facebook/KC Janardhan
The resistance has not only drawn death threats but also assault, he says. Despite running from pillar to post for a solution, nothing has changed.
"I opposed the unauthorised halting and parking of private buses here, which block the road and causes inconvenience to commuters. They attacked me for this. I'm lucky to be alive," he said.
In fact, he says that the residents of Tipu Sultan Palace Road and B-Street have lodged multiple complaints over the year with various authorities - including the transport department, the local leaders, as well as the City Police Commissioner - but all in vain. Neither has the threat reduced, nor the menace.
BCCL/ Representational Image
At least 70 transport buses (including the big Volvo ones) run by multiple travel agencies, halt at Tipu Sultan Palace Road and B-Street for up to 40 minutes to pick up passengers. This, despite having a depot nearby. As a result, the two roads are perpetually packed, and other vehicles are forced to squeeze by.
In March last year, when Prof Janardhan complained about it at the local VV Puram police station, he started getting threats and was later attacked by local goons. He said he was also stalked for four months.?
"This area was once the heart of the city and the first bus services started from here. It is known for its temples and heritage sites. But this mafia that runs private buses has ruined the locality," said Prof Janardhan, who is also the Vice-Chairman for the Karnataka British South India Council of Commerce.
BCCL/ Representational Image
But despite the attempts to terrorise him, he has steadfastly remained on the goal of getting the area cleared of the menace.
"These roads are about 60 ft wide. But with all the buses parked here, just 5 ft of road remains for commuters. Can you imagine how bikes and cars pass through? By the way, we have the VV Puram police station just a short walk from here," pointed out the professor.
Chandra Prakash, who also lives in the area, said: "B-Street was once called a royal street, used by Tipu to commute. Despite living in the area which is adjacent to the most happening cluster of the city, we feel ashamed of the condition here. We have also seen illegal activities taking place inside these buses, but we keep quiet for the fear of being attacked," he said.