Ticket checker beaten up, pushed off train in Siliguri

SILIGURI: A ticket checker (TTE) was allegedly pushed off Dn Gaya-Kamakhya Express early on Wednesday, raising concerns about railway security.
Passengers said the train had halted between Dhumal Dangi and Tinmal stations near NJP station in Siliguri, when a group of miscreants boarded it to rob their belongings. “A scuffle followed after the TTE, Ajay Sona, tried to stop them. He was beaten up and pushed off the train. We immediately called the railway helpline number. The situation was brought under control after Railway Protection Force intervened,” said a passenger.
Passengers alleged negligence by the authorities and said there were no security forces on the train. “It was because of the ticket collector that no untoward incident occurred.”
Sona, who suffered head and limb injuries, is at New Jalpaiguri railway hospital.
Northeast Frontier Railway (Katihar division) ADRM Partho Pratim Roy said security would be beefed up on running trains.
“Such incidents were earlier reported from Katihar. However, such an incident has surfaced after many years. We are investigating the matter,” he said.