Namo Bharat Train Operator Sacked for Privacy Breach
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has taken strict action against one of its Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) train operators following a serious breach of privacy. The operator was terminated from service and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him for allegedly filming two young passengers engaged in a private act inside a moving coach and later circulating the video.
Details of the Incident and Swift Action
The incident occurred on November 24 in a premium coach of the Namo Bharat train travelling between the Duhai and Muradnagar stations. The train operator, identified as Rishabh, used his mobile phone to record the act from the live feed of the compartment's CCTV system. The FIR was subsequently registered at the Muradnagar police station after the video sparked widespread public criticism.
An NCRTC official confirmed that the operator was terminated for blatantly violating internal protocols, which strictly prohibit staff from recording or sharing any surveillance footage. "The FIR mentions the train operator, who was found to have recorded the act from the live CCTV feed and circulated it, as well the unknown couple involved," the official stated.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The legal action encompasses multiple charges. The FIR has been registered under Section 296 (obscene acts in a public place) and Section 77 (voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which deals with publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form, has been invoked.
A police official involved in the probe clarified the potential penalties: "If proven guilty, the accused, under Section 296 of BNS, can face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. Under Section 77, there is a provision for a minimum of one year to up to three years of imprisonment and a fine." Authorities are also making efforts to trace the unidentified couple seen in the video.
NCRTC's Stance and Security Protocols
Responding to queries about the nearly month-long delay in initiating action, the NCRTC official explained that the incident required thorough verification. "The incident was under verification, which took some time. We had to ensure the facts before proceeding," the official said.
The corporation emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards privacy breaches and misuse of its surveillance infrastructure. The Namo Bharat train system is monitored 24/7 by CCTV cameras at stations and a central control room, with security further bolstered by the UP Special Security Force and dedicated police stations along the corridor. Investigative footage revealed that the coach where the incident happened had very few other passengers at the time.
This case highlights the critical importance of ethical conduct and data privacy, even within secure transit systems, and underscores the legal consequences for violating public trust.
