The DTC Bus Marshal arrested case has stunned Delhi residents after a violent fight erupted inside a city bus. A Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) marshal, Man Singh, attacked a conductor and bit off his finger during an argument. The incident took place on August 30, 2023, around 6:30 PM, on a bus running between Sector 62 (Noida) and Dhaula Kuan.
Police identified the victim as Jitendra Kumar Punia from Munirka, who was on duty as the conductor. Around 7:46 PM, the control room received a distress call about the altercation. The dispute began when Singh and the bus driver wanted to take an alternate route through the Lajpat Nagar Ring Road flyover, but Punia insisted on following the official route for passengers’ convenience.
Punia explained, “If we had taken the alternate route, we would have missed three stops, and passengers would have faced trouble.” Despite his reasoning, Singh refused to listen. The situation worsened as traffic delays increased tension inside the bus.
When the bus reached the Dhaula Kuan terminal, the argument turned physical. Punia said Singh suddenly attacked him and bit off half of his left middle finger. “The severed part fell to the bus floor,” he recalled. Nearby passengers quickly intervened and separated them before things escalated further.
Police took prompt action and arrested Singh soon after the incident. They also gathered CCTV footage from the bus and nearby areas as evidence. The police charged him under Section 317(2) of the Indian Penal Code for causing grievous hurt.
Doctors at the AIIMS Trauma Centre confirmed that Punia’s finger was completely severed. They categorized his injury as grievous and informed him that the finger could not be reattached. “This has changed my life completely,” said Punia, still shaken by the event.
The DTC offered Punia light duties while he recovers. He appreciated the management’s support but admitted that he still struggles with pain and frustration. “He should have focused on his duty as a marshal, ensuring safety, not arguing over the route,” Punia said.
This shocking incident has reignited concerns about violence in public transport. A 2019 government report revealed that nearly 15% of DTC drivers and marshals had faced physical confrontations while on duty. Experts say long hours, heavy traffic, and emotional stress often trigger these conflicts.
Transport safety expert Rajesh Sharma commented, “Public transport staff need conflict management training. Drivers and conductors should learn to handle disputes calmly so that safety remains the top priority.”
The DTC operates more than 3,600 buses daily, carrying millions of passengers across the city. It connects key residential areas, metro stations, and business hubs. However, increasing workloads, low staffing, and traffic pressure often make conditions tough for frontline workers.
Officials have launched an internal inquiry to assess safety gaps on high-stress routes. They are also exploring panic buttons and body cameras for buses to prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, the Transport Department plans to organize workplace behavior workshops for DTC employees.
Delhi’s public transport system is essential for millions, but incidents like this raise serious safety concerns. Many citizens believe that both staff and passengers deserve better protection. “We rely on DTC buses every day,” said commuter Ritika Arora. “These workers need safer conditions so they can focus on their jobs.”
Although the DTC has not yet released an official statement, insiders confirmed that disciplinary action against Singh has already begun. The investigation continues as authorities evaluate ways to improve staff safety.
Ultimately, the DTC Bus Marshal arrested case underlines the need for better training, emotional support, and safety reforms for Delhi’s public transport staff. Ensuring peace on buses is not just about discipline; it’s about protecting those who keep the city moving every day.
