Private bus services in Thalassery and Vadakara taluks came to a halt on Friday (August 1, 2025) as employees intensified their protest over the delay in arresting those accused of assaulting a bus conductor during a dispute over a student pass.
The strike, which began two days ago on the Thalassery, Peringathur, and Kuttiyadi routes, was extended to more areas on Friday. The conductor, Vishnu of the Jagannath bus, sustained serious injuries in the attack. The Chokli police have registered a case against seven persons. While two of them — K.C. Bineesh and Suraj — have been arrested, five others, including the main accused, remain absconding.
Bus workers’ unions have alleged police negligence despite CCTV footage from the bus clearly revealing the identities of the accused. While some union leaders opposed the strike, the majority of employees have decided to continue the protest until all the accused are arrested.
