Scuffle with passenger leads to suspension of railway ticket-checking staff

A ticket-checking staff has been placed under suspension following a scuffle with a passenger travelling without ticket in Chennai-bound Pothigai Express on Monday.

A statement said that the ticket-checking staff had followed the standard procedure and requested the passenger to pay the applicable railway dues. However, the passenger refused to pay and allegedly used abusive language against the railway staff under the influence of alcohol.

As the train arrived at Madurai railway station, Railway Protection Force assistance was sought. The passenger was subsequently deboarded at Madurai station. Even then, he refused to pay the railway dues and allegedly pushed the ticket-checking staff, leading to an altercation.

Viewing this incident seriously, Southern Railway has placed the ticket-checking staff under suspension, stating that he had failed to maintain restraint and professional conduct while dealing with passengers. Further enquiry is under way.

Madurai Division will conduct refresher training for frontline ticket-checking staff on passenger handling and conflict management to prevent such incidents in future.