An argument between a passenger and the bus conductor over some unpaid ticket change escalated into a fist fight, leading to a complete paralysis of traffic on NH 67 for more than 2 hours.

Trouble began when an argument broke out between Manikandan, the conductor of the Government-run bus (No.33, on the Kinathukadavu- Railway station route) and a passenger at Mayileripalayam over balance on the ticket fare that the former hadn’t returned. Fellow-passenger Loganathan of Mayileripalayam intervened in support of the passenger. An infuriated Manikandan hit Loganathan on the nose. He began to bleed profusely.

Immediately, the passengers raised their voice against the conductor and brought the bus to a halt. Just then Perur DSP Krishnasamy was passing by the area and noticed the commotion. Even as he was inquiring, Manikandan allegedly tried to assault him. A large crowd gathered around them, leading to a complete stagnation of traffic on the Pollachi Main Road.

Drivers of other buses stopped and launched a protest against the police. It took more than two hours to pacify the parties and clear the traffic congestion on NH67.