Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee correspondent
On 6th July, near Kodarma railway station on Dhanbad-Gaya route of East-Central Railway (ECR), mutilated body of Late Bangali Chaimpiya was found, spreading anger amongst railway workers. Late Chaimpiya was Chief Loco Inspector. He was last seen on duty till 4 a.m.
Immediately after his death his wife has written to Indian Railway officials of East-Central railway accusing a senior railway official for tormenting her husband continuously which she has alleged has driven her husband to suicide. The All India Loco Running Staff Association Zonal Secretary ECR, in a letter written to ECR officials (letter PDF given below), has described many instances of harassment b the senior officer not only of Late Chaimpiya but of many others. The letter also calls for immediate removal of the senior railway official from duty and demanded an impartial enquiry into the incidents leading to the death of Late Chaimpiya and punish the errant official. The letter also highlights that such behaviour of senior railway officials creates a very stressful atmosphere which might lead to serious accidents.
All across the Indian Railways, there are huge vacancies in all the categories. This already creates extremely stressful work environment for all the existing workers. On top of it, Indian Railway management uses senior officials to forcibly implement various policies which are in contravention of Hours Of Employment Regulations (HOER). Death of Late Chaimpiya is a call for railway workers to unite across categories and fight back for their rights and dignity.
The demand being raised by railway workers is absolutely just. All such harassment leading to stressful working environment must be fought against without let up.