Sir,

On 17th December 2011 I took a general ticket (no. C 67276005) from New Coochbehar (NCB) to Dalkolha (DLK). I boarded Teesta Torsha Express (13142 down) at around 12pm from New Coochbehar. By Raninagar Jalpaiguri, the general compartment was overcrowded so I thought to reserve a seat. Since the train halts at Raninagar jalpaiguri station for more than 45 minutes, I had enough time. I went to TTE and asked whether there is an available seat. He assured me that there is one seat and I will have to pay Rs.72 for that seat. I brought my luggage to the second AC compartment (where they he was seated) and waited for my turn. He wrote an excess fare ticket of Rs.72. When I took the money out of my wallet, he looked at me and said with a surprise, "What are you doing? You have to pay Rs.375!". I was shocked. I told him that the ticket he made was only for Rs.72 but he told me that I had to pay Rs.375 in order to get the seat. I looked at two other passengers, thinking they would help. But instead, one of them said, "What is the matter? The receipt may say anything!" and the other one said, "Dont worry about the receipt, pay what he asked you to." I decided not to take the seat and I told the TTE to return my general ticket to me and that I didnt need the reserved seat. He threatened me that if I dont take the seat, then he will destroy my general ticket and will penalize me for travelling without ticket. I was helpless and I had to pay him the extra money. He gave me an excess fare ticket of Rs.72 (no. 179656) and gave me the seat no. 33 of coach no. S2 and made me sign on it. That was it! Now I could not prove that he took extra money from me and also, I could not read his badge! I know I am not the first person with whom something like this has happened but is there no way to stop this? People like them threaten people and force them and roam about carefree! I want this man punished. I dont know his name but I am sure there is a register which knows! Punishing one man will set an example and may help the general people. Please!

Swetaketu Majumder (M/19)
Student, Delhi University.