Karthick Raghavan

A couple of months back, I was on my way to home (Ambattur) from office (Tambaram Sanatorium) after first shift. I boarded a TN state government transport corporation bus at Sanatorium. It was on its way to Koyambedu from Villupuram. As it was afternoon time, there was not much of a crowd and I managed to get a seat. As always, I bought a Rs.5 ticket to Koyambedu. I noticed that there was a man (will refer him as X for the rest of the story) who boarded the bus along side me and was sitting cool without bothering to buy a ticket. When the conductor enquired about his ticket, X saluted the conductor and told him that he was a PC  (Police Constable) and he will not buy the ticket. X had a neat and clean police hair-cut and was clad in khaki trousers and a casual shirt. There started the argument between the two. The conductor clearly told him that he cannot ride free as it is not a MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) bus and whoever travels should buy a ticket. X did not accept it and flashed his id card. The conductor was very polite and he wanted X to either step down at the next bus stop or buy the ticket. X was angry and shouted at the conductor that he had been travelling free all these days and no one bothered to ask him for tickets. The polite conductor was annoyed and whistled the driver to stop the bus and asked X to get down. X was in a shock and stepped down without a word. When everyone is scared of police, it was truly a courageous act by the conductor.
This incident raises a few questions in my mind. As always, I am trying to find answers.

Why a few people like X abuse the facilities and try to gain favor of their job position?

Should not PCs pay for their ticket and ride like the rest of the passengers?

Anyway, I am happy and feel proud of the conductor.

Salute!

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सलाम नमस्ते