10 Shocking Instances of Buses Stolen in India
Ten shocking instances of buses stolen in India, where criminals took control of public transport and caused chaos.
A shocking incident occurred today when a 33-year-old man, under the influence of alcohol, stole a Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus from the Thiruvanmiyur depot in Chennai. He drove the bus until it collided with a concrete mixer on East Coast Road near Akkarai around 2 a.m.
The man, who had an argument with a bus conductor earlier in the day, consumed alcohol after work, fell asleep near the bus stand, and later drove off with the bus in an inebriated state.
This incident, though shocking, is not an isolated one, as this is not the first time that buses have been stolen.
Here are other shocking instances of buses stolen in India:
1. Private Bus Stolen in Kaup, Karnataka – January 16, 2025
In a recent incident, a private bus was stolen in Kaup, Karnataka, following a dispute between the buyer and the previous owner. Syed Gaus from Tumakuru purchased the bus from Sameer and his father Abdul Khader after finding their contact on OLX.
After paying ₹9.50 lakh for the bus, Gaus discovered that the bus had been stolen by the previous owners. This case, filed at the Kaup Police Station, underscored the risks involved in online transactions and brought to light the ease with which vehicles could be taken without authorization.
2. Tiruchengode Government Bus Stolen in Tamil Nadu – January 1, 2025
On New Year’s Day in 2025, a government town bus parked at Tiruchengode New Bus Stand was stolen by a 25-year-old man named Shanmugam from Krishnagiri district. Shanmugam, who was in an inebriated state, drove the bus to Sankari in Salem.
The police, after an extensive search, found the bus near the Dheeran Chinnamalai memorial with the culprit asleep inside.
The incident highlighted the need for stricter surveillance at bus depots to prevent unauthorized access.
3. APSRTC Bus Stolen in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh – December 22, 2024
An APSRTC bus from the Narsipatnam depot was stolen in Anakapalli district on December 22, 2024. The theft shocked officials and staff, as the bus was driven away unnoticed during the night.
The vehicle was later recovered in Alluri district, and the perpetrator was taken into custody. This incident demonstrated the challenges faced by transport corporations in securing their fleets.
4. Punjab Roadways Bus Stolen in Ferozepur, Punjab – December 17, 2024
On December 17, 2024, a Punjab Roadways bus was stolen from a roadside dhaba on the Ferozepur-Fazilka road. The bus driver had stopped for a meal when two miscreants seized the opportunity to drive off with the bus.
It was later found near Gurudwara Pargat Sahib, where the accused were in the process of dismantling it. The incident highlighted the need for vigilance even during short halts.
5. Private Bus Stolen in Thrissur, Kerala – September 3, 2024
In Thrissur, a private bus operating on the Kunnamkulam-Guruvayur route was stolen on September 3, 2024. The bus, named ‘Shoni Bus,’ was taken by its former driver, Shamnad, due to a lack of transportation options.
CCTV footage captured him driving off with the vehicle, which was later found abandoned under the Guruvayur flyover. The incident raised questions about access control to public vehicles.
6. APSRTC Bus Stolen in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh – July 26, 2024
On July 26, 2024, an APSRTC bus was stolen from the Atmakur bus stand in Nandyal district. The thief, Dargaiah, took the bus to meet his wife in Mucchumarri village after waiting for a long time without finding a bus.
Upon reaching his destination, he parked the bus near the local police station, where he was later apprehended. This case highlighted the desperate measures individuals may resort to due to inadequate transport facilities.
7. KKRTC Bus Stolen in Naroda, Gujarat – February 15, 2024
A Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus was stolen from the Krishnanagar depot in Naroda on February 15, 2024. The theft occurred at midnight, and the bus was tracked to Dehgam through CCTV footage.
The individual responsible was found to be mentally challenged, adding a complex dimension to the incident. The case underscored the importance of mental health awareness and enhanced security at transport depots.
8. Tirumala Electric Bus Stolen in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – September 22, 2023
An electric bus, valued at ₹2 crore and used for transporting pilgrims to the Tirumala Temple, was stolen on September 22, 2023. This bus, sponsored by MEIL Engineering Works as part of their corporate responsibility, was a crucial part of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) service during the annual Brahmotsavams.
Despite heavy security presence, the theft occurred at around 4 a.m. The bus was tracked via GPS and recovered on the national highway at Biradawada near Naidupet. The incident highlighted the need for better vehicle monitoring systems even during high-security events.
9. BMTC Bus Stop Stolen in Bengaluru, Karnataka – August 28, 2023
In an unusual incident, an entire BMTC bus stop was stolen from Cunningham Road in Bengaluru on August 28, 2023. The bus stop, valued at ₹10 lakh, included chairs, roofs, and poles.
Despite its proximity to the city police commissioner’s office and Vidhana Soudha, the theft went unnoticed for days, highlighting vulnerabilities even in highly secure areas.
10. KKRTC Bus Stolen in Chincholi, Karnataka – February 21, 2023
On February 21, 2023, a KKRTC bus from Bidar depot was stolen from Chincholi bus stand. The vehicle was driven across the Karnataka-Telangana border to Miriyan village, prompting a cross-border investigation. The swift recovery of the bus emphasized the need for interstate cooperation in handling such cases.
These instances of buses stolen in India reflect the numerous challenges faced by transport corporations in ensuring the safety and security of their vehicles.
From thefts driven by desperation and intoxication to organized attempts for financial gain, the phenomenon of bus thefts in India calls for improved security measures and stricter enforcement.
