Transport Minister Orders Probe Into Conductor Cheating Woman

Transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy has directed Tirupati APSRTC regional manager (RM) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into allegations that a conductor cheated a woman after developing an acquaintance with her during bus journeys. He advised stringent action if the charges are proved.

The minister issued the directions after M. Baby Shalini of Kongaravaripalle in Chandragiri mandal met him at his Tadepalli camp office and sought justice.

Shalini alleged that APSRTC conductor V. Subrahmanyam, whom she came to know while regularly travelling between Chandragiri and Tirupati, gained her confidence by claiming that he loved her and subsequently cheated and sexually assaulted her.

According to her, the conductor allegedly took nearly ₹20 lakh from her in cash at different stages, got money transferred through digital payments apps on several occasions, and made her purchase gold. She alleged that Subrahmanyam later started harassing her and neither returned the money nor gold, causing her severe mental distress.

Shalini submitted digital payments transaction details, call records, messages, gold purchase bills, and other evidence to the minister.

Ramprasad Reddy spoke to the Tirupati RM over a video call and ordered a detailed inquiry. He ordered APSRTC employees to behave responsibly and courteously with passengers, particularly women. He instructed officials to take steps to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The minister directed officials to take action according to rules if the allegations are established and ensure that the woman receives justice through due legal process. He said the state government would ensure that women’s safety and dignity are protected and that their exploiters receive lawful justice.