A local train passenger in Mumbai assaulted a Travelling ticket examiner (TTE) after being asked to pay a fine for travelling without a valid ticket. The incident occurred on a local train from Churchgate to Virar. The Western Railways informed that the incident occurred on August 15 when three passengers were traveling in AC local but having first-class tickets.
The passenger with a first-class ticket is identified as Aniket Bhosale, NDTV reported. Chief Ticket Inspector Jasbir Singh requested Bhosale to pay the necessary fine. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Bhosale and other passengers engaging in a scuffle with Singh.
The altercation reportedly led to Singh being injured and losing Rs 1,500 that he had collected from other passengers, NDTV's report stated. The train was halted at Borivali station due to the disturbance. An officer at the station attempted to ask Bhosale to leave the train, but he initially refused. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) eventually removed him at Nalasopara station.
Following the incident, Bhosale admitted his mistake and issued a written apology, stating that an FIR against him could jeopardise his employment. He also reimbursed Singh the Rs 1,500 lost during the commotion, the report mentioned.
Mumbai Viral Video: ‘Misbehaviour With Railway Staff Is A Punishable Offence,’ Western Railway Says As SGPC Slams Incident
Western Railway later commented on the incident, clarifying that the altercation involved three individuals who were not the ones initially apprehended. The statement read, "Three passengers were apprehended for travelling in the AC local with first-class tickets. While the fine was being processed, three other individuals began creating a disturbance and misbehaved with our ticket checking staff. RPF and GRP were called, and the three individuals offered an unconditional apology in writing. They were let off without further action. We urge all passengers to travel with valid tickets and note that misbehaviour with railway staff is a punishable offence."
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the assault on Singh. In a statement, SGPC stated Dhami as saying that "the video of this incident is very sad, which makes it clear that some passengers attacked S. Jasbir Singh while he is performing his duty, which is highly condemnable."
Dhami added that the Maharashtra government and Railway Ministry should ensure the accused receive strict punishment.