– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: An appalling incident highlighting the misuse of authority within Indian Railways has emerged, where a passenger was subjected to brutal assault by railway staff. The victim, Taj Mohammad, was travelling on the Amritsar-Katihar Express when he was allegedly beaten by a TTE and a coach attendant.
The incident took place aboard the Amritsar-Katihar Express (Train No. 15708) on Thursday. Taj Mohammad, seated in AC-3 Coach No. M-2, Seat No. 65, was approached by TTE Rajesh Kumar and coach attendant Vikram during a routine ticket check. Reports indicate that the two staff members forcibly removed him from his seat and launched a violent attack. Witness accounts and video evidence show TTE Rajesh Kumar pinning Taj Mohammad to the ground while Vikram beat him with a belt.
A fellow passenger, Satyendra, recorded the assault and sent the video to Sachindra Mohan Sharma, DRM of Northern Railway’s Lucknow Division. The video, later shared on social media, sparked widespread outrage.
In response, the railway authorities suspended TTE Rajesh Kumar. However, no action has been taken against coach attendant Vikram, raising questions about the accountability and transparency of the railway’s internal inquiry.
Indian Railways has presented an alternate account of the events, accusing Taj Mohammad of being intoxicated, misbehaving with women, and instigating a confrontation with railway staff. Despite these allegations, several questions that remain unanswered are: Why was no formal complaint filed against Taj Mohammad by other passengers if he was misbehaving? Why didn’t the TTE report Taj Mohammad’s alleged actions to the RPF or GRP? Why wasn’t Taj Mohammad handed over to authorities at any station for further investigation or a medical examination? Why were only the TTE and coach attendant involved in confronting Taj Mohammad, rather than involving security personnel? If the TTE’s actions were justified, why was he suspended?
Kuldeep Tiwari, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway’s Lucknow Division, issued a statement condemning the assault: “Adopting a zero-tolerance policy, TTE Rajesh Kumar has been immediately suspended. Frontline staff are the face of Indian Railways, and incidents like these tarnish its image. Beating a passenger is absolutely unacceptable. An investigation is underway, and further action will follow based on the findings.”
Adding to the controversy, Taj Mohammad was deboarded at Tundla station despite holding a valid ticket, preventing him from completing his journey. This treatment has further intensified criticism of Indian Railways, with many accusing the authorities of failing to uphold passengers’ rights and dignity.
This incident has severely dented the reputation of Indian Railways, with public trust in its handling of passenger grievances now under scrutiny.
