Scuffle Erupts Between Passenger and Haryana Roadways Checking Team Over Fine Dispute

Charkhi Dadri (The Uttam Hindu): A tense altercation unfolded between a passenger and the Haryana Roadways checking team aboard a bus, after the passenger was found without the correct ticket. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a bus from the Haryana Roadways Bhiwani depot, traveling from Charkhi Dadri to Loharu, was stopped by the checking team near Badhra town.

The passenger, who held a ticket worth Rs 20 for travel only to Atela, had mistakenly continued his journey beyond the prescribed destination, which required a Rs 45 ticket to Badhra. Upon realizing the discrepancy, the checking team demanded a fine of Rs 500 from the passenger.

According to the passenger, he fell asleep during the ride and missed his intended stop at Atela. However, the checking team was not satisfied with his explanation and insisted on imposing the fine. When the passenger refused to pay, tensions escalated. The team, consisting of 4 to 5 members, attempted to remove him from the bus, leading to a scuffle. The passenger also claimed that his luggage was forcibly taken by the team.

The situation worsened when the checking team accused the passenger of intentionally evading the correct ticket purchase. They also suggested he had been drinking and was not a local, but from Rajasthan, which further fueled the confrontation. The passenger maintained his innocence, insisting he had made an honest mistake and was just sleepy.

For about 15 minutes, the ruckus continued on the road, as the two sides exchanged heated words. The checking team labeled the passenger a thief, to which he responded with a sharp retort. As the commotion continued, the bus was delayed, and other passengers, who were on their way to catch a train from Loharu, faced inconvenience.

Eventually, when the passenger refused to pay the fine, the checking team took him to his house. During this time, a member of the team attempted to take his bag, but the passenger resisted. In the chaos, his mobile phone was snatched by another team member, who ordered him to visit the Charkhi Dadri depot to pay the fine.

The incident has sparked a debate about the handling of such situations by Haryana Roadways, raising concerns about the conduct of the checking team and the treatment of passengers.