Two Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) posted in Tatanagar under the Chakradharpur railway division have been found guilty of serious misconduct after they were caught illegally selling reserved seats and allowing unauthorized passengers to travel on the Vande Bharat Express.
According to reports, the incident occurred on May 11, during a surprise inspection by Vineet Kumar, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of Dhanbad railway division. The inspection was carried out on Train No. 1896 (Patna to Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express).
TTEs Naseem and Arjun Found Involved in Illegal Seat Sales
During the inspection, ADRM Vineet Kumar discovered that two TTEs—Naseem and Arjun Sahu, both posted at Tatanagar under the Chakradharpur division—were allowing 11 passengers to travel without valid tickets, and had also illegally sold two reserved seats to passengers for cash.
Further inquiry revealed that 10 passengers were traveling from Patna to Gaya, and one passenger from Gaya to Gomoh, all without proper tickets. ADRM Kumar took immediate action and imposed a total fine of ₹19,500 on the unauthorized travelers.
Report Submitted for Disciplinary Action
Following the inspection, a detailed report was submitted by ADRM Kumar to the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM) of Chakradharpur Division on May 16, recommending strict disciplinary action against both TTEs. The report clearly states that both employees allowed unauthorized passengers to travel in reserved seats in violation of railway rules.
Repeat Offenders
What makes the case more serious is that this is not the first time these two TTEs have been found guilty of such misconduct. Previous internal audits and inspections had also flagged their involvement in corrupt practices, but no behavioral change has been observed despite prior warnings.
SF-5 Proceedings Recommended
ADRM Vineet Kumar has recommended that both TTEs be booked under SF-5 disciplinary proceedings, which are initiated in cases involving grave misconduct or corruption within railway services.
In addition, the ADRM also identified an AC staff member for dereliction of duty during the inspection and has called for action against him as well.
