Five suspended after anti-DMK messages appear on digital route display board of TNSTC bus
Five TNSTC bus crew members were suspended after anti-DMK political messages appeared on a digital route display board. Officials believe an unauthorized person accessed the board's Wi-Fi, though the crew was penalized for negligence regarding the security of the equipment.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the security vulnerabilities of public infrastructure and the political sensitivity of digital displays in public transport.
Five persons, part of the crew of a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus, have been suspended after an anti-DMK message appeared on the rear digital route display board of a TNSTC bus operating from Puducherry to Tiruchi.
The bus, belonging to the Villupuram Division of the TNSTC, was plying along the route via Cuddalore, Neyveli, Vriddhachalam, and Perambalur.
According to official sources, the route board of the bus carried several anti-DMK slogans, as well as jibes against the party’s leaders, including former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DMK youth wing president Udhayanidhi Stalin. A video of the messages went viral on social media.
A TNSTC official said an unidentified person had gained unauthorised access to the display board’s Wi-Fi connection and uploaded the content. Though the crew were not involved, action was taken against them for negligence. An inquiry is under way to identify those responsible, he said.
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