Udaipur, March 17, 2025 – A shocking incident of severe negligence and misconduct by the Rajasthan Roadways staff has surfaced, involving a senior journalist’s family who was mistreated despite holding reserved tickets. The conductor of Udaipur-Pratapgarh Bus No. 4442 not only refused to stop the bus at a designated pickup point but also misbehaved with the passengers. Following public outrage and complaints from journalist associations, the Roadways Management has assured strict action against those responsible.
Promised Stop Ignored, Family Left Stranded
The photojournalist, Rishabh Jain, filed a formal complaint stating that his family members had an urgent reason to travel to Pratapgarh. His sister-in-law purchased four reserved tickets from Udiapol Depot at 5:47 AM. Before boarding, she confirmed with the bus conductor, Jaspreet Singh, that the bus would stop at Thokar Chauraha to pick up the remaining family members. The conductor assured her that the stop would be made.
However, when the journalist, his wife, and two young daughters reached Thokar Chauraha, the bus sped past them without stopping. Despite the repeated requests from their relative inside the bus, driver Govind Singh and the conductor refused to stop, claiming the bus was already full. The family was left shocked and stranded.
Desperate Attempts to Catch the Bus
In a frantic attempt to board the bus, Jain rushed with his wife and daughters on a two-wheeler to Pratapnagar, but the bus didn’t stop there either. The conductor coldly responded that the next stop would be at Dabok, forcing the family to chase the bus even further. However, upon reaching Dabok, the family was once again denied boarding, and their sister-in-law was forcibly deboarded mid-route.
To their shock, the conductor rudely told them to return to Udaipur and rebook new tickets for another bus. When Jain confronted the conductor over the phone, he was met with arrogance and misbehavior, with the conductor brazenly saying, “Do whatever you want.”
Emotional Trauma for the Family
The ordeal left the two young children in tears, and the entire family in shock and distress. They were left stranded on the road with no assistance from the transport authorities. Despite multiple calls to Roadways officials throughout the day, no response was received.
Feeling helpless and humiliated, Jain escalated the matter to higher authorities, including the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the local MLA, and MP, demanding strict action against the gross negligence and inhumane treatment by Roadways staff. The complaint was also lodged on the CM Portal.
Authorities Respond After Public Outrage
By the evening, Jain and other journalists reached the Roadways Headquarters and met with Chief Manager Hemant Sharma, who assured them of strict disciplinary action against the guilty driver and conductor. Following multiple calls from senior journalists, the Pratapgarh depot was instructed to take immediate action.
Journalists’ associations have condemned this appalling behavior, calling for strict punishment and compensation for the mental harassment caused to the family.
Roadways Negligence: A Pattern of Misconduct?
This incident highlights the deep-rooted negligence within the Rajasthan Roadways, where passengers’ rights are blatantly ignored, and customer service is replaced with arrogance. Instead of providing a safe and convenient travel experience, Roadways has become a source of harassment and uncertainty for passengers.
The victimized journalist and his family are now demanding strict action to prevent such incidents in the future. Will the authorities take real action, or will this be another case of negligence brushed under the carpet?
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
