Indian Railways
Harassment for E-ticket student ID

I am an engineering college student and was travelling from Mangalore Station to LTT Mumbai by 2620 Matsyagandha Express on September 17th ticket PNR being 4410405171 3-AC Seat No. B2/035. A Train Ticket Examiner who had a badge which displayed his name as R. Robert entered the train and demanded that I present an ID for my ticket. As usual I showed him my college ID as i normally have done on previous occasions. He however got into a rage and very rudely and impolitely said that it was invalid unless I produced a passport/PAN card/drivers license/government employee ID. If I didn't have any of these I would have to pay a sum of Rs. 2500. When the passengers who were around me wanted to know the rationale for the amount he had demanded, he was furious and shouted at me saying I should get out of the train. As I was travelling alone I broke into tears and tried to call my parents. He refused to talk neither to any of them nor to the passengers who requested him for his ID. He then disappeared from the scene but after long intervals came back on three occasions saying that he would have to call the police.Co-passengers a naval officer Asst. Commander Shahnavaz, a member of the Rajya Sabha Mrs Sunita and others tried to intervene and he felt the pressure and never showed his face again.

It is clear from the episode narrated that this public servant of the railways who was trying to intimidate and brow beat a young girl student travelling alone in order to extort money through ungainful means. I would request you to let the concerned authorities know about the incident and take immediate stringent action against such errant officers of the railways.

My questions are:

1. Why is the college ID affiliated to the state recognized university not valid?

2. How can one expect young students to possess a PAN card/passport (if they have not travelled abroad)/driving license/Govt. issued employee ID card?

3. Is it not possible to make provisions for a convenient alternative ID card accessible to all if it is the intent of the railways to make E-ticket booking facility as a convenient provision for all passengers?

Thanking You

Nihara Thomas

501, Silver Arch,

Lady Fatima Road, Poisar,

Kandivila (West)

Mumbai-400067

College Address:

St. Joseph Engineering College,

Vamanjoor

Mangalore - 575028

Karnataka

Company: Indian Railways
Country: India

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