In a distressing incident that has stirred controversy, a bus driver in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district allegedly refused to allow school girls to board his bus unless they were wearing burqas. The incident occurred during the daily commute of children from Okali village in Kamalapur taluk to Basavakalyan.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver, operating on the Basavakalyan-Kalaburagi route, insisted that all Muslim female students wear burqas before boarding the vehicle. Shockingly, even those wearing hijabs (headscarves) were turned away, with the driver claiming that burqas were the only appropriate attire for Muslim pupils.
One courageous student, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her experience, revealing that the driver not only demanded the wearing of a burqa but also questioned her religious affiliation. When she refused to comply and withheld her name, she was verbally abused and barred from boarding the bus. The driver interrogated her about being Muslim and insisted that she wear a burqa, making it clear that she would not be allowed on the bus otherwise.
In his defense, the driver contended that the bus (KA 38 F1074) was experiencing mechanical issues and that the students were becoming disruptive, prompting other commuters to approach him about his behavior.
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and the wider public, with demands for an immediate investigation into the matter. Local authorities are currently looking into the incident and have assured the public that appropriate action will be taken against the driver if found guilty of discriminatory behavior.
Transportation and school officials are urged to implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future and ensure the safety and dignity of all students during their daily commute.
It is essential to recognize and respect the cultural and religious diversity of students, ensuring that such incidents of discrimination are not tolerated in any educational or public setting. Together, society must strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone's rights and freedoms are protected.
