Bed bug bite on private bus: Woman awarded Rs 1.29 lakh compensation

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a private bus operator to pay Rs 1.29 lakh with 6% annual interest as compensation to a woman who faced health issues after being bitten by bed bugs during a night bus journey.

The commission, chaired by President Somashekarappa K. Handigol and member Sharadamma H.G., issued the directive after examining the complaint filed by actress Deepika Suvarna, wife of actor Shobharaj Pavoor. Advocate Chidanand Kedilaya represented her in the case.

The incident occurred on August 16, 2022, when Deepika was travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru on a private bus operated by Sea Bird Tourist. She lodged a complaint against the Mangaluru and Bengaluru offices of Sea Bird Tourist and the Red Bus online booking app.

The commission ordered the bus operators to compensate Rs 18,650 for medical expenses along with 6% annual interest, Rs 840 for the bus ticket with interest from the date of the complaint, Rs 1 lakh for mental agony and financial loss with 6% interest, and Rs 10,000 as litigation costs.

The commission further directed that the amount must be paid within 45 days, failing which an additional 8% interest would be levied. Non-compliance could result in civil or criminal legal action.