A 55-year-old passenger was deboarded from the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Mysuru Express after he allegedly lit a diya on his berth while praying. Railway authorities also registered a case against him under provisions of the Railways Act.
According to Central Railway officials, the passenger was identified as Gariba, a resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The incident took place on August 31 aboard train number 12782.
TTE spotted diya during ticket checking
Railway officials said the incident came to light when ticket-checking staff were informed about the lit lamp in the A-1 coach. The passenger had reportedly placed a diya on berth number 17.
A matchbox, brass diya and steel container were also found in his possession.
The TTE asked the passenger to extinguish the flame, explaining that lighting a lamp inside a moving train could lead to a fire and endanger passengers as well as railway property. However, the passenger allegedly insisted on completing his prayers before putting out the diya.
The TTE recorded the incident on his mobile phone. The passenger was subsequently deboarded at Bhusawal station for further action.
Case filed under two sections of Railways Act
Central Railway said a case was registered against the passenger under Sections 153 and 145(B) of the Railways Act, 1989.
Section 153 deals with acts that endanger the safety of railway passengers and carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison.
Section 145(B) covers the carrying or use of inflammable substances on railway premises. It can lead to removal from railway premises, a fine of up to ₹5,000 and, in certain circumstances, imprisonment of up to five years.
After completing the legal formalities, the passenger was released with a notice issued under Section 35(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Railways issues safety appeal
Central Railway has urged passengers not to carry inflammable materials on trains. It has specifically advised passengers against lighting diyas, candles or incense sticks inside coaches, warning that open flames could trigger a fire and put the lives of passengers at risk.
