Railway Clerk Suspended After Viral Video Exposes 15-Minute Phone Call While Passengers Wait in Line

Imagine waiting in a long queue at a railway station, fearing you might miss your train, while the ticket clerk on the other side of the glass is busy casually chatting on the phone. This scenario, which is frustratingly familiar to many, recently unfolded at a railway station in Karnataka and has since sparked a debate across social media.

A now-viral video captures a ticket clerk at his desk, seemingly unbothered by the lengthy line of passengers waiting outside. Ignoring repeated pleas from travelers for tickets, the clerk continues his phone conversation, responding dismissively with “just a minute” for over fifteen minutes. When one exasperated passenger finally confronted the clerk—pointing out that “just a minute” had already stretched to fifteen—the clerk still showed no urgency and told everyone to keep waiting.

Unbeknownst to the clerk, his actions were being recorded on a passenger’s mobile phone. As is common in the digital age, the video was soon uploaded to social media, where it spread rapidly. Outraged viewers widely condemned the clerk’s attitude, calling it shameful and noting that such behavior was all too common at various stations. Some called for regular checks and stricter supervision of staff.

The public outcry quickly caught the attention of the railway authorities. It was reported that a vigilant passenger had also shared the video directly with the station master. Railway officials from the Guntakal Division immediately launched an inquiry. Within a short period, the clerk, identified as C Mahesh, was suspended on charges of dereliction of duty.

This incident serves as a strong reminder of two important lessons. First, negligence in duty—especially in public service—will no longer be tolerated. Second, in today’s world, a mobile phone in the hands of an ordinary citizen is a powerful tool. It can expose wrongdoing and demand accountability from the system, ensuring that officials remember their responsibility to serve the people.