Jamshedpur School Vehicle Operators Announce Indefinite Strike from Feb 2

Jamshedpur: The Jamshedpur School Vehicle Service Operation Committee has announced a total and indefinite strike of all school vans, autos, and buses starting from February 2, 2026. This decision comes in protest against what the committee alleges is a “falsely registered” FIR against a school vehicle driver at the Birsanagar Police Station.

Santosh Mandal, the president of the committee, submitted a letter to the SDO of Dhalbhum Subdivision, stating that the case registered on January 31 under Birsanagar Police Station Case No. 4/26 (dated January 27, 2026) and Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is not being investigated fairly. The committee claims that in the past, several drivers have been jailed under similar charges without any solid medical evidence or proof, destroying their lives and families.

The committee argues that these incidents are a form of harassment against innocent drivers. Consequently, all school transport services will remain suspended from 6:00 AM on Monday until an impartial investigation is conducted and the accused is released. Copies of the protest letter have also been sent to the Superintendent of Police and other high-ranking officials.

The strike is a direct reaction to the recent arrest of driver Mannu Kumar Pandey, who was jailed following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a minor student. While drivers maintain that the FIR is baseless and lacks evidence, the announcement has caused significant concern among local parents and school authorities, as thousands of students rely on these services for their daily commute.