Train makes emergency stop after migrants told to pay cash

PROBE ORDERED

Train makes emergency stop after migrants told to pay cash

Christin.MathewPhilip@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:09.06.2020

Two unidentified men allegedly demanded bribe from migrant workers travelling in a Shramik train from Bengaluru to Uttar Pradesh via Bihar on Sunday.

Sources said the men, donning white shirt and black trousers —the uniform of travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) —demanded Rs 905 from passengers in three coaches (S10, S11 and S12).

Mukesh N, a worker from Bihar who lodged a complaint, said: “They asked to pay for tickets, but we did not have money.”

The train left KSR Bengaluru City at 6.08pm on Sunday to Gorakhpur with 1,668 passengers. While the state government has made travel free, the railways provides tickets for every passenger for identification.

Whitefield Rising, an organisation which has been helping workers to return to their hometowns from Bengaluru, on Sunday night tweeted that it received a distress call from workers aboard the train. “Uniformed personnel moved through compartments asking for ticket money. From S10 to S11 & S12. Many are scared of being taken out of the train (sic)”.

Responding to the tweet, Ashok Kumar Verma, Bengaluru divisional railway manager, wrote: “We’re trying to contact passengers and asking them to nab the persons. We’re trying to stop the train.”

The train made an emergency halt at Hindupur station and officials took statements from the passengers. Railway Protection Force (RPF) team collected CCTV footage from KSR Bengaluru City station and identified a group of men in white shirt and black trousers approaching the coaches.

AN Krishna Reddy, senior divisional commercial manager, said RPF is investigating the matter. “Strict action will be taken against those involved, even if it’s TTE or RPF employees. There are chances of people posing as railway staffers and demanding money.”

Board KSRTC buses from more areas

KSRTC on Monday announced more pickup points in Bengaluru for intra-state passengers: Navarang, Govardhan (Yeshwantpur), Goraguntepalya, Jalahalli Cross, 8th Mile, Hebbal, Yelahanka, Corporation Circle, Tin Factory, KR Puram, ITI Gate, Cauvery Bhavan, Kalasipalya, Nayandahalli and Kengeri. These are in addition to Majestic and Officials will allow passengers to board buses after thermal screening.

BMTC discount for seniors

BMTC will allow senior citizens to travel in its buses at concessional rates. They will have to wear masks and ensure social distancing. Earlier, the utility had restricted those aged above 65 since they were more vulnerable to Covid-19.