A recent confrontation between a Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) and a passenger aboard an Indian Railways train has sparked widespread debate after a video of the incident was shared on the social media platform X.
The incident began when the TTE was accused by the passenger of demanding a bribe in exchange for seat assignments. The passenger confronted the TTE about this alleged bribery, leading to a heated exchange between the two. At one point, the TTE warned the passenger against recording the altercation, claiming that filming an on-duty TTE could result in a seven-year prison sentence. The TTE was heard saying, “On duty TT ki video banana, 7 saal ki saza hai” (Recording a video of an on-duty TTE is punishable by seven years in prison).
The video, which captures the entire exchange, shows the passenger questioning the TTE’s claim by asking, “Kaha likha hai?” (Where is it written?). The TTE, not backing down, responds defiantly, “Dikha dunga” (I will show you).
The footage quickly gained traction online, with many viewers criticizing the TTE’s actions and questioning the legitimacy of his claims regarding the legal consequences of recording videos in such situations. Social media users expressed outrage over the TTE’s behavior, particularly his attempt to intimidate the passenger with misinformation.
One user wrote, “TTE caught red-handed with the side hustle! Now he’s giving life lessons like he’s on a talk show!” Another commented, “Aise anpadh log govt jobs par kaise aa jaate hai. Har 10 saal ke baad govt employees ka exam hona chahiye jisse pta chlo they are fit for service” (How do such illiterate people get government jobs? There should be an exam for government employees every 10 years to see if they are fit for service).
Other users voiced their frustrations with the system. One remarked, “Reason why we are still an underdeveloped country,” while another added, “I come from a Tier 3 city in Odisha. We know TTEs who are corrupt to the core, owning multiple plots and houses in prime locations. That’s just what they mention. Imagine what’s unaccounted for.”
As the video continues to spread, many are calling for greater accountability and transparency within the Indian Railways system, questioning how such behavior could be allowed to persist among public servants.
filming of TTE in case of bribery is seven years’ punishment of imprisonment.
The TTE must have knowledge that
maximum duration of imprisonment for
bribery ::
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than two years but which may extend to 7 years and shall also be liable to fine.