Shovan Mitra : Dear friends last Saturday I have a very horrible experience while travelling by Darjeeling Mail on 28th September, 2014 .I had been to Kolkata to attend the last rite of my fr’nds mother’s. On my way back to NJP on 28th September.I had a Tatakl waiting ticket which was not confirmed and due to heavy Puja rush there was absolutely no place to sneak into general compartment too. Without having any option left with me at the last moment, I have to enter the coaches marked for the disabled persons as the same was totally empty.
Few co-commuters also accompanied and we have decided that since the coaches was empty and there was no physically challenged person inside the coach entered into it. At the last moment two police official ( without name plate on their chest, One SI and one constable WBRF entered the coaches and said since the coach is for disabled person so we have two options either we pay them money or get down from the coach. Some of co-commuters said that let the TT come then we will decide. The SI said no, for sitting we have to pay Rs 300 and for Sleeping berth ( two available) RS 1000/- per sleeping berth. By saying this they got down and the train started moving. After reaching Bardhaman they reappeared and started demanding money.
On this issue we started protesting and some want to settle the issue by paying minimum amount as everyone has to reach the destination. We were 31 persons in the coach and the SI collected Rs 300 per head. When I raised voice for demanding such huge amount I am told to get down at Bolpur at around 12.00 in the midnight along with my underage nephew. I decided to get down but before that when I showed my official press card, the SI told me that we are not even afraid of PM or President so who the hell I am.
After getting down at Bolpur in the midnight, when I told them to expose the matter as I have videographed the whole incident, the constable came running and asking for apology and requested me to get into the train and need not have to pay anything for the same. But the SI still demanding money if I enter the train. Then some of the co-commuters came out and said not to take risk at this time by staying at Bolpur as the SI could harm us by other way, so I decided to get into the train again.In the morning when I again met the SI and told him that I am going to expose the matter to media he told me if that happens then I should not take any risk by entering NJP or Sealdha in future. Accepting his challenge I am uploading some of the VDO which we the co-commuters have taken for your perusal. And request you to share if you deemed fit.
Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B36hi0F5AI
शोवन मित्रा के फेसबुक वॉल से.
