Gang targeting buses with valid permits in Morena arrested:6 accused held for assaulting drivers, threatening passengers; dispute linked to illegal buses from other states

In Morena, a gang attacked passenger buses over permit disputes, brutally assaulting drivers and staff. Several buses were vandalised, drivers’ hands and legs were broken, and passengers were threatened. The attacks disrupted bus services on key routes, prompting police to arrest six accused and launch searches for the remaining suspects. Attacks began in December The first attack took place on December 20, 7:30 AM, near Janakpur village. A Jai Bharat Travels bus (MP06 ZD 4777) going from Gwalior to Delhi was targeted. Bhanu Gurjar and his associates forced passengers into a non-permit bus. When drivers resisted, they were assaulted, and firing took place. Later the same day: On January 3, 10 PM, a bus (UP80 FT 6416) from Porsa to Khatu Shyam was stopped on NH-44 near Gangapur temple. The driver’s legs were broken, and he was admitted to the district hospital in serious condition. Violence against drivers and passengers The attackers repeatedly assaulted drivers with sticks. Female passengers pleaded for the drivers’ safety, but the miscreants ignored them. Some passengers secretly recorded videos of the attacks. Driver Vijay Parmar said Bhanu Gurjar broke his leg and looted Rs 14,000. He added that the attackers claimed, “Your buses will not run towards Dholpur.” Operator Dinesh Sikarwar stated that his buses run on Gwalior–Delhi, Gwalior–Kailadevi, and Porsa–Khatu Shyam routes with valid permits. The attackers were forcing passengers into non-permit buses from Janakpur village, which led to repeated assaults and disruptions. Driver Manoj Sikarwar, the sole earner in his family, said his hand was fractured during an attack on December 20 near Gangapur Hanuman Temple. He fears for his livelihood. Six accused arrested Following the attacks, Morena police arrested six accused: Bhanu Gurjar, Shyamveer Gurjar, Manto Gurjar, Dharmendra Gurjar, Lavkush Gurjar, and Yogendra Gurjar. The main accused, Shyamveer Gurjar, has a Rs 10,000 reward on him. Shyamveer was also absconding in a previous case involving firing at police constable Anil Tomar in Gwalior. Three others, including Gurudayal Gurjar and Shriram Gurjar, remain at large. Police teams are actively searching for them. After the arrests, the police paraded the accused in the city before presenting them in court. Police raid Janakpur village Civil Line police raided Janakpur village late Wednesday evening after receiving complaints. The main accused is still being sought. SP Sameer Saurabh said a joint meeting of revenue, transport, and police officials is underway with bus operators. The aim is to resume safe bus operations for passengers. Transport department response Transport Officer Archana Parihar confirmed that Jai Bharat Travels’ bus permits are valid and issued by the State Authority. The dispute stems from non-permit buses brought from other states that were carrying local passengers despite being designated for tourism. The department has warned of strict action against illegal buses. 14 days of disruption In just 15 days, buses were stopped four times, and drivers were repeatedly assaulted. The attacks have caused fear, panic, and financial losses for operators and staff, while passengers’ safety was seriously jeopardised.