Malavalli: Three cops attached to Malavalli Rural Police Station have been injured when a private bus hit their vehicle near Panditahalli village in the taluk on Wednesday night.

The injured have been identified as Rural Police Station Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Hucchaiah, driver Nagaiah and staff Srinivas. 

The cops were checking vehicles near the Inspection Bungalow (IB) on Wednesday night, when a private bus driver in a bid to avoid checking, hit the Police vehicle injuring Police staff Srinivas, who was in  the vehicle.

As the bus did not stop, the Cops gave a chase to the bus during which the Police vehicle driver lost control of the vehicle, which fell into a roadside ditch injuring ASI Hucchaiah and driver Nagaiah, it is learnt. While the injured ASI and driver have been admitted to the Taluk Hospital, Srinivas has been admitted to a private hospital in Mysuru.

Meanwhile, the bus driver abandoned the vehicle on the roadside and fled from the spot. The Police, who have suspected that the bus cleaner may have tried to steal the bus, have seized the bus and have launched a hunt to nab the driver.

Cases have been registered at Malavalli Town and Rural Police Stations in this regard.