Forced off train at midnight, arrested over official's error; Thrissur native to get Rs two lakh compensation from Railways

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite having a reservation ticket, a woman was forced to deboard a train at midnight. She was arrested for travelling without a ticket. Due to the case, she also lost her job. Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice Alexander Thomas ordered the Railways to pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the passenger who had to endure severe humiliation and mental torture.

The passenger suffered due to an error made by an official at the reservation counter. The compensation should be paid within a month, and the money should be recovered from the guilty officials. The compensation was granted to K. Jayasmitha, a native of Thrissur Erumapetty, who lives in Thiruvananthapuram.

Justice Alexander Thomas said in his order that the railways acted unfairly towards the complainant, who lives alone. Even the constitutional right to live with dignity was violated.

The unfortunate incident occurred on July 30, 2023, while she was travelling from Wadakkanchery to Thiruvananthapuram. The woman had been allotted berth number 41 in the S-4 compartment. When she reached the berth, it was occupied by another passenger. When she met the TTE, she was told that the ticket had been cancelled online. The TTE suggested that she take another berth if she paid a fine of Rs. 500. The woman expressed surprise and demanded to know who cancelled her ticket, but the TTE did not reply.

The woman also demanded that she not be asked to deboard the train since it was midnight. When the train reached Aluva, the passenger was handed over to the RPF. They arrested her and released her on bail. Realising their mistake, the railways later withdrew the case.

The woman lost her contract job with the government due to a criminal case. The commission suggested that an application be filed with the government against this. If the payment is delayed, 8% interest should be paid. The order also states that the railways should ensure the safety of women travelling alone at night.

The officer on the booking site had mistyped a digit in the mobile phone number that the passenger had written on the reservation form. This was discovered during an investigation by the commercial manager. The message regarding the reservation was sent to a different number. The person who received the message cancelled the reservation online as he had not booked the ticket.