Maharashtra Halts Bus Services to Karnataka Over Language-Related Assaults

The suspension follows attacks on transport staff in both states, escalating tensions in the longstanding border and language dispute.

Maharashtra suspended state transport bus services to Karnataka after an MSRTC driver and conductor were assaulted by pro-Kannada activists in Chitradurga for not speaking Kannada.
The Karnataka government is investigating a separate incident in Belagavi, where a KSRTC bus conductor was attacked by Marathi-speaking locals for not speaking Marathi.
The Belagavi conductor has also been accused of making inappropriate remarks towards a 14-year-old girl, resulting in a POCSO case being filed against him.
Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has demanded assurances from Karnataka for the safety of passengers and staff before resuming services.
The incidents have reignited tensions in the border district of Belagavi, a region historically disputed between the two states over language and territorial claims.