New Delhi – Sleeper buses running between Chennai and Bengaluru have become the center of shocking allegations as complaints about illegal activities, including prostitution, have surfaced. Passengers have reported suspicious activities taking place on the upper decks of these buses, leading to police investigations. The disturbing revelations have raised concerns about safety and the illegal exploitation of transportation services.
Complaints from Passengers Lead to Alarming Discovery
The issue first came to light when passengers traveling from Chennai to Bengaluru heard strange noises coming from the upper berths of a sleeper bus. Disturbed by the situation, they lodged a complaint. Although the incident seemed to settle down by morning, a more serious discovery was made when bus employees later found used condoms in the cabin. This revelation indicated that illegal and immoral activities were taking place on board, prompting the immediate involvement of the police.
The Modus Operandi of Prostitution in Buses
Further investigations have revealed that prostitution is being organized on several sleeper buses traveling between cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore. According to the police, customers and agents use encrypted messaging apps to communicate. Through these apps, agents share photos of women with potential clients and facilitate bookings. The transactions, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per trip, are made via UPI payments.
How the Illicit Trade is Conducted
The police revealed that those involved in the illegal trade often book double berths at the back of the upper deck in sleeper buses. The women and their clients board the bus together, which prevents suspicion from bus employees. In some cases, when confronted by authorities, the couples claim to be consenting adults, making it difficult for the police to prove that prostitution, which is illegal, is taking place.
Shocking Confessions from Bus Employees
Bus staff have provided more details about how these activities go unnoticed. Employees mentioned that once the passengers are on board, the couples use the curtains or bedsheets provided to cover their berths. Some wait until the lights are turned off to engage in illicit activities, while others do not even wait for the darkness. D. Ananthan, who works with a bus service on the Chennai-Bengaluru route, said that condoms and alcohol bottles are often found during inspections, and the used sheets have to be sent for cleaning immediately.
Arun Kumar, another bus employee, added, “When caught, most couples do not claim to be married because they know they cannot prove it. They usually say they are in a relationship, and in such cases, we can only ask them not to disturb the other passengers.”
Public Reactions and Police Response
The viral nature of these reports has caused a wave of public outrage, with many questioning the safety and integrity of public transport services. The police are aware of these complaints, but due to the difficulty in proving consent and intent, no significant action has been taken against those involved. Investigations are still ongoing, and the authorities are working to prevent such illegal activities from continuing on interstate buses.