KSRTC bus stolen from Palakkad depot

Palakkad: An unidentified person allegedly stole a KSRTC bus parked at Palakkad depot, triggering panic among depot staff, before abandoning the vehicle about half-a-kilometre away in the early hours on Sunday.

The incident took place around 2am when the ordinary service bus, parked after completing its scheduled duty on Saturday night, was driven out of the depot by the intruder. Employees had washed the vehicle and parked it before leaving for the day.

According to KSRTC officials, the suspect gained access to the depot premises and managed to start the bus using its push-button ignition system, which doesn't require a conventional key.

The theft created tense moments at the depot as security personnel noticed the bus speeding out of the compound and immediately raised an alarm. Staff members rushed out and attempted to chase the vehicle, but the driver disappeared into the night before they could stop him.

With the roads largely deserted during night hours, the bus sped through the town unchecked. It was later found abandoned near Manjakulam Mosque, barely half-a-kilometre from the depot.

Police said the bus had reportedly crashed into a roadside shop during the ride, causing minor damage to both the vehicle and the shop. The shop owner has filed a complaint.

Palakkad Town police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by KSRTC authorities and launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the area has been examined, but investigators have so far found no clues to identify the suspect.

With bus thefts being extremely rare, the motive behind the unusual incident remains a mystery.