Khushi Sikarwar
Mumbai Train Incident: The ticket checker abruptly stopped the pair, who were speaking in Marathi, and demanded that they communicate in Hindi. When the couple declined politely, the ticket checker allegedly turned angry and threatened to hold them.
New Delhi: 6th November 2024
An incident between a ticket checker from Western Railway and a couple—who spoke Marathi together—has created an uproar and condemnation across different platforms. The incident, that took place inside a local train on Mumbai, led to a suspension of the concerned ticket checker.
The couple was reportedly speaking Marathi when the ticket checker interrupted and insisted that they speak Hindi instead. When the couple reportedly declined, the TTE could show no restraint and threatened them with arrest.
The couple also had to sign a statement along the lines of “We will never again demand to speak in Marathi.” The incident has ignited widespread outrage, prompting Marathi Ekikaran Samiti members to protest at Nalasopara station.
The spokesperson for Western Railway told that TTE has been suspended for the purpose; further action shall ensue after a complete inquiry. The investigation is still ongoing, and a formal complaint has been made.
The railway stated that the fact the complaint was received only on Monday clouds the timeline of the incident.
“You should speak Hindi if you are in India,” the TTE stated in Hindi about 27 minutes later.
The couple was reportedly forced to write a statement promising never to demand conversation in Marathi. Although the wife had recorded the incident on phone, they were forced to delete the recording under duress. They were locked inside the office for a long time until finally the RPF took them away, as stated by the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti.
The Samiti refer to the incident as “an insult to the Marathi language”. A protest was held at the railway master’s office in Nalasopara station against the episode.
Western Railway responded, saying, “We respect passengers of all religions, languages, and regions equally and are dedicated to giving the greatest service. The situation will be investigated, and if a defect is discovered, suitable action will be taken.
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