'Train mein Kalesh': Cop's ticketless travel incident on Vande Bharat goes viral

In a recurring headache for Indian Railways, passengers persist in travelling without tickets, causing consternation among Ticket Ticker Examiners (TTE) and fellow commuters. A recent incident captured on video has brought this issue to the forefront.

The footage, shared by the account “Ghar Ke Kalesh,” depicts a police officer engaged in a verbal exchange with a TTE over his lack of a ticket on a Vande Bharat train. The officer explains that he missed his originally intended train and had to board the current one instead. He asks for forgiveness for his oversight, yet the TTE remains unconvinced.

In the background, another voice suggests the officer’s removal from the train.

The video has rapidly gained traction, amassing over 2,79,000 views and attracting comments condemning the officer’s conduct.

“If this occurred to an average citizen for a traffic violation, would a police officer allow them to go without paying the fine?” questioned one user. Another asserted, “The police officer should extend an apology and pay the fine for travelling without a ticket. Failing to do so sends the wrong message to the public.”

A third commenter noted, “Rules in our country often seem to apply only to the common man, not the privileged ones. As an officer, he should be setting an example but instead, he’s misusing his position. Sadly, this is neither the first nor an unexpected occurrence.”

Demands for immediate suspension followed. “@AshwiniVaishnaw Sir, such incidents should be taken seriously, and action should be taken against them. Just because they wear a uniform doesn’t mean they should be immune. If it were an ordinary person, the TTE would have escorted them off the train,” remarked a fourth individual.

“He ought to be suspended from police duty and receive a showcause notice,” insisted a fifth.

The prevailing sentiment was echoed by another user, claiming, “Most police officers don’t pay for tickets, even in autorickshaws they travel without paying.”