BENGALURU: Six Nigerian students, who were arrested by Wilson Garden police for allegedly assaulting a BMTC bus conductor on July 6, told the media on Friday that they were the victims of assault by the conductor.
The students, at a press meet along with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), said the conductor Nagesh had slapped one of the girls first and the police did not listen to their statement. One of the students, Temitope Esther, who was caught on video holding Nagesh by his collar, said, “The bus did not stop at Lalbagh Road where we had to get off. When I demanded that it be stopped, the conductor slapped me and then I beat him once in retaliation. Nagesh kicked me on my stomach repeatedly...” Esther said.
Abisodun Damilola, another student, said, “The police did not allow Esther to get first aid or us to inform our guardians or the embassy. We have come to the city for studies and we know how to behave and follow the law. But the police treated us as hardcore criminals.”