Tamil Nadu to investigate MLA’s driving of state bus at scheme launch

Tamil Nadu’s Transport Department will investigate an incident in which TVK MLA E. Thendral Kumar was seen driving a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus at a terminus in Vellore. The inquiry follows public criticism and a video circulated on social media showing the legislator driving the government bus with about 30 commuters after the launch of the ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme.

A transport official said only drivers holding the required heavy-vehicle licence and badge were eligible to operate buses. The official said the department would examine whether Mr. Kumar possessed those documents and would take action based on the findings.

The buses were flagged off at the new terminus as part of the scheme’s launch. The event followed the launch by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai on Friday.

The scheme expands no-fare bus travel for women and transgender persons in the State. The Vellore event was attended by Collector P.S. Leela Alex, Corporation Commissioner A.

Catherine Saranya, the MLA and transport officials. Initial inquiry indicated that, after the Collector flagged off the buses, Mr. Kumar volunteered to drive one on the terminus’s open portico from the main entrance for about 100 metres.

A commuter quoted in the source said the bus appeared to be moving quickly while women and children were waiting to board. The video reportedly showed Mr. Kumar asking the bus driver about the operating gear.

Transport officials said a violation by a driver could attract a ₹5,000 fine under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, while the vehicle owner could face a ₹10,000 fine. They said further action would depend on the inquiry.