In Kuzbass, an alarming incident drew investigators into a serious look at how a bus ride could endanger a child. Reports surfaced via the Telegram channel of the information center for the Investigative Committee of Russia, signaling a formal probe now underway and highlighting concerns about the treatment of a minor on public transport.
The event, which occurred in Kemerovo on February 21, quickly spread across social networks as locals shared details. Witnesses described a regular bus taking on a 12-year-old passenger who had paid for a child’s fare. On that frigid day, the temperature in the city added urgency to any delay or complication during the journey. According to accounts from residents, the driver pressed for proof of eligibility for a reduced fare, insisting that the student present a school certificate or provide an additional five rubles to cover the full price of the ride. The boy could not comply with the request in the moment, and the consequence was that he was removed from the vehicle at a stop, left to continue his walk home in the cold conditions.
The incident prompted a response from high-level authorities. Alexander Bastrykin, who leads the Investigative Committee, directed Alexander Bezukladnikov, the head of the Kemerovo Region Investigation Directorate, to open a criminal case. The charge focuses on violations of the rights of an underage passenger, with officials promising close tracking of the case’s progress and the eventual results of the inquiry. The demand for accountability underscores the seriousness with which authorities view the protection of minors in everyday transportation settings.
Observers note that this case echoes earlier concerns about the treatment of young riders in other regions, including reports from the Urals where schools and transportation officials have faced scrutiny over similar practices. Public discussions emphasize the need for clear guidelines on fare eligibility, the humane treatment of all passengers, and the responsibility of drivers to ensure a safe and respectful travel environment for minors. In this situation, the focus remains on safeguarding a child’s rights, ensuring due process, and preventing any recurrence of such distressing incidents as winter continues to press on local communities.