Kochi police verification drive for private bus workers falls behind schedule

Kochi City police are likely to need more time to complete background checks on private bus employees before issuing them identity cards, after verifying only about 380 of an estimated 4,000 workers. The initial target was to complete the process by the end of September. Police had received 1,383 applications by Saturday since launching the verification drive earlier last month.

The initiative followed a series of recent incidents involving alleged criminal behaviour by private bus employees. The special branch is conducting checks using applications forwarded by the traffic wing. An officer involved in the process said many workers operating in the city came from other districts, making verification time-consuming.

A traffic officer also alleged that some bus operators had been reluctant to submit their employees’ details. Police said they expected the remaining workers to submit information within two weeks through their operators and associations. One officer said the drive was expected to be completed by the end of October, adding that some workers could still be preparing documents while those with criminal histories might avoid submitting their details.

K.B. Suneer, president of the Ernakulam Private Bus Operators Association, said most workers linked to his organisation had already provided their details. Another operator said only a small number of employees worked permanently on buses and that others might not be willing to undergo verification.

Police also said enforcement had been intensified against unruly conduct and traffic violations. About 2,003 cases were registered between September 9 and 30, including 41 alleged drunken-driving cases and 71 cases involving dangerous driving. District Police Chief Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the enforcement would continue.