Mangaluru: A bus conductor, who was allegedly hurt by an argument with a passenger, jumped into River Kumaradhara near Kukke Subrahmanya on Sunday. The conductor has been identified as Devadas (41) of Kaikamba near Mangaluru. Devadas got washed away in the river and fire department personnel and swimmers are trying to trace him. According to sources, Devadas was on his duty in the bus from Mangaluru to Kukke Subrahmanya via Uppinangady on Sunday morning.
Police officials said that there was confusion on the money paid by a passenger in the bus. A girl who was travelling in the bus claimed that she had given Rs 500 note to the conductor whereas Devadas argued that she had given Rs 100 note and he had paid the balance to her.
When the bus reached Kadaba, Devadas and the girl went to the police station, where police officials settled the issue through compromise. The girl left the station for her house. However Devadas, who is said to have been disturbed by this issue, plunged into the Kumaradhara River when the bus reached the bridge. Though a devotee, who was having bath in the river, tried to save him, Devadas is said to have pushed him. Swimmers and fire department personnel are searching for Devadas, but failed in their effort till Sunday night. Officials said that they would continue the search operation on Monday.
Devadas had written a death note in a paper where he allegedly had written that he preferred death to insult. Sources said that Devadas was known for his honesty and had also received an award.
