A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) found himself suspended on Thursday in the wake of a distressing incident aboard the Barauni-Lucknow express. The TTE, identified as Prakash, reportedly verbally abused and physically assaulted a passenger who was traveling without a ticket. The Indian Railways swiftly addressed the issue after a video depicting the altercation surfaced on social media. The railway authorities confirmed the TTE's suspension and initiated an inquiry into the disturbing incident.
In the viral footage, Prakash is seen forcefully slapping the passenger multiple times and even resorting to grabbing them by the neck. The shocking display of aggression extends to another passenger who attempts to record the incident. In a separate video, Prakash is captured hurling abuses at the passenger documenting the assault, questioning their affiliation with the media.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, responding to the circulated video, declared "zero tolerance for such misconduct" and assured the public that the TTE had been suspended pending further investigation.
Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal also weighed in on the incident, sharing the video on social media platform X. Expressing deep concern, she emphasised the need for all citizens, regardless of economic status, to travel comfortably and with dignity. Her post directly addressed Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging him to take cognisance of the matter and ensure strict action against the TTE involved.
The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Lucknow Division also acknowledged the video, confirming the suspension of the TTE by the competent authority and assuring a thorough inquiry into the matter.
