Uttar Pradesh: While cracking down on ticketless travellers, a railway ticket examiner (TT) at Mathura Junction in Uttar Pradesh was left stunned when he encountered a ticketless passenger who was trying to steal a ticket. The incident took place during routine ticket inspection when passengers were alighting from the train. As part of the railway’s initiative to curb ticketless travel, the TT on duty was approached by a passenger from Dholpur who claimed to be travelling to Mathura for religious reasons. Initially evasive about having a ticket, the passenger later boasted of his influence, mentioned names and hinted at close ties with powerful personalities, including a Union minister. The TT persisted in demanding the necessary fine or penalty without any fear.
When the passenger pointed out that he knew a Union minister, the TT challenged him to make the officer talk to him. The passenger’s reaction sparked laughter among onlookers when he admitted uncertainty about whether the minister recognised him. Finally, the TT fined the passenger for travelling without ticket. A targeted enforcement drive was launched at Mathura Junction station to address the problems of ticketless travel, unauthorised travel, unreserved luggage and littering. The initiative resulted in a total fine of Rs 33,325 being imposed on 89 passengers. This includes Rs 27,155 on 67 ticketless travellers, Rs 5,370 on 14 unauthorised travellers and Rs 800 on 8 people found littering. The action involved a coordinated effort between the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and ticket control personnel.
