KSRTC moves HC for Rs50m in damages from PFI

KOCHI: State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) moved the High Court (HC) seeking damages to the tune of Rs50.6

million for the losses incurred during the hartal (strike) called by the Popular Front of India (PFI) to protest against

the country-wide raids and arrests by National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its offices and leaders on Friday.

Massive violence marred the hartal day with hundreds of KSRTC buses and private vehicle coming under atack resulting in millions of losses. KSRTC informed the court that 58 buses were vandalised by protestors and 10 employees were injured.

The move came against the backdrop of the HC directing the state government to take appropriate measures to ensure KSRTC receives compensation for the losses.

The court will consider the petition on Thursday. Minister for Transport Antony Raju had said earlier that the atack on KSRTC had resulted in injuries to several drivers and passengers.

“KSRTC services operated with police support. Due to the atacks, many services leaving various depots were cut short,” Raju said.

“The losses incurred will be recovered from the perpetrators. Legal action will be taken on those who destroyed the buses,” he had warned.

The HC had observed that people who called for the hartal and vandalised KSRTC buses are liable to pay the compensation to KSRTC.

The court also directed the state government to recoup losses incurred due to disruptions in KSRTC services.

The HC also sought a report from the government regarding the action.

The court expressed shock at the incidents of violence and destruction of property and stated that people and organisations with the right thought process would never resort to violence.

Later the HC initiated suo motu proceedings against the leadership of PFI for organising the hartal.

The court had asked the government how it plans to recover the loss of KSRTC buses vandalised in hartal.