India, Nov. 6 -- The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended nine of its officials after allegations surfaced that they accepted bribes from bus drivers who reported to duty while under the influence of alcohol.

According to BMTC sources, the suspensions are temporary pending a detailed internal investigation, said a report by The Hindu. The issue reportedly came to light at Depot-35, where several drivers operating electric buses were allegedly allowed to work despite being intoxicated.

A senior BMTC official said the inquiry was initiated after it emerged that some depot staff had been accepting cash amounting to several thousand rupees from these drivers in exchange for clearing them for duty. This is a seri...