HUBBALLI: A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) on Train No. 16591 Mysuru-Hubballi Hampi Express allegedly slapped a passenger and threw away his phone after the latter requested him to speak in Kannada. The incident occurred in Bengaluru on Thursday night and comes amid growing concerns over language-related clashes in Karnataka.
Mahmad Basha Attar, a resident of Bhagyanagar in Koppal, told TOI that he was traveling in the S-3 coach when the altercation took place.
“A TTE was checking tickets, and I politely asked him to speak in Kannada,” Attar said. “I began recording the conversation on my phone when he suddenly slapped me, snatched my mobile, and threw it away.”
Attar added that the TTE then summoned his colleagues, including Chief TTE Dixit and security personnel. While Dixit handled the situation calmly, the coach TTE remained aggressive, claiming he could only speak Hindi and threatening to book a case against Attar for interfering with his duties.
Several women co-passengers supported Attar, explaining he had only requested communication in Kannada. Their intervention reportedly prevented the situation from escalating further.
A video clip recorded by Attar shows the TTE stating he does not know Kannada, after which the clip abruptly ends. Attar said his phone’s display was damaged when the TTE threw it, preventing him from recording additional footage. He has since filed a grievance with the Station Manager’s office in Koppal.
Condemning the incident, B. Girishanand Jnansundar, Koppal District President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, said many North Indian TTEs display rudeness toward Kannada speakers.
“SWR must either teach Kannada to all its staff or ensure that Kannada-speaking employees are deployed at front-line positions,” he said, announcing plans to submit a memorandum to South Western Railway (SWR) through the Koppal station master in the coming days.
Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SWR, said the matter has been escalated to the highest authorities.
“We will ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future,” he assured.
