The student wing of the Left parties in Tripura has demanded strict action against a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) accused of harassing a female passenger on a train. The incident, which took place on the Agartala-Deoghar Express on May 12, 2024, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability within the railway system.
The female passenger, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, reported that the TTE made inappropriate advances and harassed her during the journey. According to her account, the TTE approached her under the pretext of checking her ticket but soon began making unwelcome comments and attempting to engage in unsolicited conversation. Despite her repeated requests for him to leave, he persisted, causing her significant distress.
Upon reaching her destination, the passenger filed a formal complaint with the railway authorities and local police. The incident quickly gained attention after the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), known as the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), took up the cause. The SFI organized a protest outside the railway station in Agartala, demanding immediate suspension and investigation of the accused TTE.
“We cannot tolerate such behavior, especially from someone in a position of authority. The safety and dignity of passengers, particularly women, must be upheld at all costs. We demand that the railway authorities take swift and stringent action against the TTE involved in this incident,” said Subhrajit Dutta, the state president of SFI.
The SFI’s demands include the immediate suspension of the TTE pending a thorough investigation, assurance of a safe travel environment for all passengers, and the implementation of stricter guidelines and training programs for railway staff to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the growing pressure, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) released a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and affirming their commitment to a thorough investigation. “We have received the complaint and have initiated an inquiry into the incident. The accused TTE has been temporarily relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. We assure the public that necessary actions will be taken based on the findings,” the statement read.
The incident has also drawn the attention of various women’s rights organizations in the region. The Tripura Women’s Commission has expressed solidarity with the victim and has pledged to monitor the investigation closely. “This is not an isolated incident but part of a larger issue of harassment that women face in public spaces. We will ensure that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future,” said Dr. Arundhati Chakraborty, chairperson of the commission.
Public reaction to the incident has been one of outrage and demand for justice. Social media platforms have seen a surge of posts condemning the harassment and calling for stricter measures to ensure the safety of female passengers. Many users have shared personal stories of harassment during travel, highlighting the prevalence of the issue and the urgent need for systemic change.
Railway authorities have faced criticism in the past for not doing enough to protect passengers from harassment and misconduct. Incidents like this underscore the necessity for comprehensive policies and robust enforcement to create a safe and respectful environment for all travelers.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent and fair process that will hold the perpetrator accountable and set a precedent for zero tolerance towards harassment. The SFI has vowed to continue its activism until justice is served and has called for a broader dialogue on passenger safety and rights.
The case has reignited the conversation about women’s safety in public transportation and the responsibilities of authorities to protect vulnerable passengers. By taking decisive action, the railway authorities can restore public trust and demonstrate their commitment to the safety and dignity of all passengers, reinforcing the message that harassment in any form will not be tolerated.