A family traveling in the first-class AC coach of the Purushottam Express, which operates between Puri and Delhi, was caught reportedly stealing railway bedding on a recent trip.
A video of the incident, which has been extensively circulated on social media, shows Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) and other railway employees questioning the family, which consists of two men and one women. On the platform.
In the video, a railway worker can be heard saying in Odia, “Sir, look here, bedsheets and blankets are coming out of all the bags.” Towels and bedsheets in four sets. “Either return them or pay Rs 780.”
Traveling in 1st AC of Purushottam express is a matter of pride itself.
— ଦେବବ୍ରତ Sahoo 🇮🇳 (@bapisahoo) September 19, 2025
But still people are there who don't hesitate to steal and take home those bedsheets supplied for additional comfort during travel. pic.twitter.com/0LgbXPQ2Uj
The passengers handed back the stuff. One of the men said it was an honest error, claiming his mother had accidentally packed the bedsheets.
However, railway personnel expressed doubt.
The attendant mentioned that the family was going in first class and supposedly on a pilgrimage. The TTE then warned that the case could be pursued under the Railways Act.
The original social media post that shared the clip noted, “Traveling in the first AC of the Purushottam Express is a source of pride. However, there are some who do not hesitate to steal and take home the bedsheets provided for extra comfort while traveling.”
The video elicited heated comments online, with X users condemning the act as “disgusting” and “shameless”.
One user asked, “How low can people stoop? “These are public resources intended for comfort, not personal gain.”
Another person said, “Traveling in first class is a privilege, but stealing bedsheets demonstrates a lack of respect and honesty.” Let us respect public resources and maintain decorum.
A third commenter commented, “Even if they returned, they should still be penalized for their unlawful actions. Until they are penalized, this behavior will persist. These folks cause us humiliation both nationally and globally.
The Railway Seva official account responded in the comments section, writing, “For necessary action escalated to the concerned official.”
Indian Railways supplies bedsheets, blankets, and towels in air-conditioned and sleeper classes on long-distance trains.
These things are cleaned and maintained by railway employees and are intended to be returned at the end of the voyage.
