Many of us who travel by train, choose the air-conditioned coach not just to travel comfortably, but also to avoid creeps. We prefer to spend money towards our safety. But this recent incident will make you think about your decision for choosing AC coaches in trains. An IAS officer, from the 2004 batch, was allegedly harassed by a 59-year-old train ticket examiner in an AC coach.
Rajpal Singh, the TTE of Tundla junction, was booked under IPC’s section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) by the GRP, and is currently suspended.
The IAS officer was travelling from New Delhi to Kolkata, by Kalka Express, when the incident took place. In her FIR against Rajpal Singh, she stated that she had asked the TTE to reduce the AC cooling and also requested for a lower berth. In response, the TTE misbehaved with her by touching her cheeks and using inappropriate language.
The officer soon lodged a complaint against the TTE for his unacceptable behavior. As soon as the train reached Aligarh station, the TTE was apprehended by divisional traffic manager and was later handed over to GRP. The IAS officer continued her journey and disembarked at Hathras station, to come back to Aligarh to give a written complaint.
Even after lodging a complaint, the IAS officer had to face several pressures from various politicians that also includes a sitting MLA to drop the charges against the accused. However, she refused to listen to anyone or come under the pressure. Instead, she stood up for her right.
We hope more women, who face such assaults complain about such officers and get them punished for their improper behaviour.
