NWKRTC Conductor Returns Lost Valuables Worth Lakhs to Passenger

Hubballi, Karnataka – In a heartwarming display of honesty, a bus conductor with the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) ensured a passenger’s weekend wasn’t ruined by a misplaced purse.

The incident unfolded on Saturday morning as a non-stop bus from Haveri pulled into the Gokul Road bus stand in Hubballi. A passenger, later identified as Nirmala Chandrashekharayya Hiremath, disembarked, unknowingly leaving behind her purse containing valuables worth lakhs of rupees.

Fortunately, the eagle eye of a fellow staff member onboard spotted another woman picking up the forgotten purse. The woman promptly abandoned the purse, leaving the way clear for M.S. Habbad, the driver-cum-conductor, to secure the belongings.

Inside the purse, Habbad discovered a treasure trove – a 40-gram gold chain, 16-gram earrings, 100 grams of silver anklets, and Rs. 500 in cash. Determined to reunite the rightful owner with their possessions, Habbad, along with Divisional Control Officer H. Ramanagoudar and Station Superintendent V.S. Hanchate, initiated a swift search.

Their efforts bore fruit when Nirmala, who was understandably distraught after realizing her loss, approached the authorities. The NWKRTC officials, impressed by Habbad’s integrity, ensured a smooth handover of the recovered purse in its entirety.

Nirmala, a resident of Bengaluru was going to Gadag, expressed her immense gratitude to Habbad. “Words cannot express my relief,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion. “I was incredibly worried after losing such valuables.”

Hailing Habbad’s honesty as exemplary, Divisional Control Officer H. Ramanagoudar praised his actions. “This incident not only highlights Mr. Habbad’s integrity but also strengthens the public’s trust in NWKRTC,” he remarked. “His dedication to passenger well-being serves as a shining example for all our employees.”