Hubballi, May 3 (Reporter) A 58-year-old bus driver attached to the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has been placed under suspension for halting a passenger bus mid-journey to offer namaz, officials said on Saturday. The driver, identified as Nayaz Mulla from Hangal depot, was suspended on April 30 after a video surfaced showing him halting a passenger bus at Gabbur Cross on the outskirts of Hubballi and performing namaz on the roadside while passengers waited inside the vehicle. The video, which quickly went viral, prompted the NWKRTC to initiate a preliminary inquiry. NWKRTC Managing Director M Priyanga confirmed the suspension and stated that a formal investigation is underway. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, reacting to the incident, said: "Religious practices will not be entertained during official duty. The driver has been suspended for violating departmental norms. Karnataka's public transport system is known for being efficient and passenger-friendly, and such acts could damage its reputation." Reddy added that further disciplinary action would be taken if similar incidents recur and that depot in-charges have been instructed to strictly monitor staff conduct. The NWKRTC oversees public transport operations across nine divisions in North and West Karnataka...////...