Fake TTE Caught Red-Handed on Express Train
A special intelligence team from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), working alongside commercial staff from the Samastipur division of East Central Railway, has successfully apprehended a man accused of impersonating a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE). The arrest took place aboard the Mysore-Darbhanga Express (12578), where the individual was allegedly extorting money from unsuspecting passengers.
The Raid and Arrest
The operation was launched following specific complaints from passengers on the train. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the joint team conducted a raid in the general coach of the express. During the raid, they caught the accused, identified as Harshvardhan Bhardwaj, a 43-year-old resident of Begusarai district, in the act of collecting money from travellers while pretending to be an official TTE.
R K Singh, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Samastipur division, confirmed the details of the arrest. The accused was subsequently handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Samastipur for further legal action and investigation into the fraud.
Railways Issue Vigilance Advisory
In light of this incident, railway authorities have issued a strong advisory to all passengers. They urge travellers to remain vigilant and cautious of individuals who may be impersonating railway officials. Passengers are advised to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest railway staff member, RPF personnel, or GRP officer.
Railway sources emphasized that timely information from alert passengers plays a crucial role in preventing such crimes and ensuring a secure travel environment for everyone. They reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against anyone involved in fraudulent activities that exploit and harass passengers.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by the Indian Railways' security apparatus to curb ticketless travel-related frauds and protect the interests of genuine ticket-holders. It serves as a reminder for the public to always verify the identity of officials, typically through their official uniforms and photo identity cards, before complying with any demands for payment or documents.
