Kottayam: A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver, who was facing disciplinary action for failing to remove plastic bottles from his bus, collapsed while on duty in Kanjirappally, Kottayam district. Jaymon Joseph, a driver attached to the Ponkunnam KSRTC depot, experienced severe discomfort and subsequently collapsed at Puthakuzhi in Kanjirappally.
Jaymon Joseph stated that his health deteriorated immediately after he was informed via phone about a new transfer order. He further revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure. Regarding the plastic bottles, he clarified that they were personal water bottles he had kept for drinking purposes.
The initial action against Jaymon Joseph and two other employees was initiated following a directive from Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar. The Minister had personally noticed empty plastic bottles near the front windshield of a KSRTC bus on a previous occasion. Subsequently, an order was issued to transfer the three individuals deemed responsible for the lapse. However, those affected by the order claim that it was later frozen. Jaymon’s latest health setback occurred upon learning of a renewed transfer order.
He was initially admitted to Kanjirappally General Hospital. Doctors attending to him have indicated that Jaymon will be transferred to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for specialized treatment and further medical evaluation.