VELLORE: Frayed nerves and flaring tempers have become the order of the day, following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The shortage of ‘change’ has hit the common man hard, especially long distance travellers.
On Monday, Pallikonda Police had to intervene after a TNSTC bus conductor and a passenger came to blows over tendering of exact change. Sources said the matters came to a head when the conductor refused to accept the scrapped Rs 500 currency note on a Bengaluru-bound bus from Vellore New Bus Stand.
When the 35-year-old traveller took out a Rs 2,000 note, the conductor again refused, questioning the authenticity of the note allegedly using offensive language.
The traveller then picked up a quarrel with the conductor, with both trading blows. On information, the Pallikonda Police conducted an inquiry. After warning both the parties, Pallikonda inspector Murugan arranged for change for the Rs 2,000 note. Due to the melee, the bus was delayed by 60 minutes.
“After boarding the bus in the night, what can a commuter do when a conductor refuses to accept Rs 2,000 note,” said S Kumaran, a passenger, throwing light on the plight of passengers.