A controversial incident involving a loco pilot’s struggle to extend his medical leave has gone viral. The incident occurred on the morning of March 2 and sparked a range of reactions within the railway community. The video, recorded on a smartphone, quickly spread across social media. It showed the loco pilot attempting to extend his leave due to unhealed surgical wounds.
The loco pilot had undergone surgery on February 22 and was granted medical leave until February 28. However, his surgical wounds had not healed fully, and he sought an extension on medical grounds. After consulting a railways doctor, he was advised to obtain a mandatory ‘sick memo’ from the office to continue his leave.
Denial of Sick Memo and Frustration
The loco pilot claimed that an official refused to issue the sick memo. He said the official repeatedly demanded proof of his medical condition, despite presenting medical documents. In frustration, the loco pilot reportedly pulled down his trousers to show his surgical wound, hoping this would convince the official of the seriousness of his condition.
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He later stated that this wasn’t the first time he had been asked to provide proof in medical situations. He referenced a previous incident where he had been asked to show evidence of a relative’s hospitalization when seeking leave.
Union’s Intervention and Suspension
The incident, which occurred in the office, was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media. Afterward, union representatives from the loco pilot’s division intervened, approaching senior railway officials. Following further discussions, the sick memo was finally issued, and the loco pilot was granted an extension on his leave.
However, after the video surfaced on March 3, the official accused the loco pilot of misbehaving and creating an obscene scene in the office. Based on this complaint, the loco pilot was suspended on March 3. But after support from fellow railway staff, the suspension was revoked on March 4.
Official Statement and Support
In response to the viral video, the Lucknow division of Northern Railway clarified that the loco pilot had already been granted sick leave from March 2 to March 8. The division stated that the employee’s medical leave had been properly documented and that the issue had been resolved.
Adarsh Kumar Gupta, assistant secretary general of the All India Loco Running Staff Association, Northern Railway Zone, expressed his disappointment over the situation. He called the episode “unfortunate and avoidable,” stressing that the loco pilot had followed proper procedures to extend his leave. Gupta also condemned the alleged harassment the staff member experienced before receiving the necessary relief.
Reactions from Social Media and Railway Staff
Social media users reacted strongly to the video. Many expressed support for the loco pilot, calling for better treatment of railway workers. Several pointed out that workers should not be subjected to such treatment, especially when dealing with medical emergencies. Others criticized the official for demanding repeated proof of the pilot’s condition despite the available medical documentation.
Railway staff also voiced their concerns. Some workers expressed their frustration at the treatment of their colleagues. They argued that the incident reflected broader issues of worker rights and respect within the railway system.
Conclusion
The incident involving the loco pilot highlights ongoing concerns about worker rights and treatment in India’s railway system. The video sparked widespread discussions about medical leave, harassment, and respect for employees’ health conditions. While the loco pilot was ultimately granted his extended leave, the controversy around the incident raised important questions about how railway officials handle similar situations in the future. The support from fellow railway workers and union representatives shows the importance of solidarity in addressing workplace issues. The revocation of the suspension demonstrates the need for fair treatment of all employees, particularly when dealing with medical matters.
