Moodbidri: In a tragic accident on National Highway 169 near Mijaru Todaru, a private bus collided with a scooter on Monday morning, leaving both the rider and the pillion passenger seriously injured.

The incident sparked anger among locals, with hundreds, including students, gathering at the site to protest against negligent driving by bus drivers and irresponsible behavior by owners.

The injured scooter rider, Sumitra, and her relative Sanvi sustained serious injuries.

The bus, traveling from Moodbidri to Mangaluru at high speed, reportedly lost control near the turn by MITE College. After hitting a college bus, it veered off the highway onto a college road, ultimately colliding with the scooter. According to eyewitnesses, a nearby auto-rickshaw blocked the bus from moving forward

Local leaders, including those from the Hindu Jagarana Vedike and BJP, arrived at the scene, demanding strict action against the bus driver. The protestors urged authorities to take strict action against drivers who drive recklessly.

The bus owner, Rafique, offered to compensate the victims with Rs 5 lakh on personal grounds and assured that the driver responsible for the incident would be dismissed. ACP Shrikant from Panambur Police Station stated that the driver and bus conductor would face charges.

The protest was called off after the ACP assured of addressing the ongoing issues caused by private buses at an upcoming meeting with RTO officials, police, and bus owners. The police have taken the driver, Nizam, into custody.