Rs 200 Bribe in Exchange for Railway Ticket: TC Suspended after Video Goes Viral – News18

A ticket collector’s routine duty took an unexpected turn after a passenger’s complaint led to his suspension and imminent transfer within the West Central Railway division. Nagendra Kumar, a Ticket Collector (TC) stationed in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 200 from a passenger traveling with a general ticket but sitting in the sleeper class.

The incident unfolded on train number 12168, Banaras-Mumbai LTT Superfast Express, when Kumar approached a passenger in the sleeper coach and found he possessed only a general ticket. The passenger, hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, was en route to Satna in Madhya Pradesh. Initially seeking Rs 500 for an upgraded ticket, Kumar eventually settled for Rs 200 in exchange for allowing the passenger to continue the journey.

The situation took a dramatic turn when another passenger captured the transaction on video and promptly uploaded it to social media and the railway app. Upon reviewing the footage, railway officials swiftly initiated disciplinary action against Kumar, suspending him pending further investigation. A penalty charge sheet was also prepared against him.

Dr Madhur Verma, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), emphasised zero tolerance for such misconduct, stating that action had been promptly taken upon discovery of TC Nagendra Kumar’s actions. Such behavior will not be condoned, he said.

The West Central Railway administration has assured passengers and stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in its operations.