By News18,Sahas Mahapatra
Copyright news18
A video showing a family who allegedly tried to steal bedsheets from the first-class AC coach of the Purushottam Express has caught widespread attention. The clip raises concerns about the misuse of railway property and highlights the consequences of taking away items meant for passenger’s comfort. The train travels between Puri in Odisha and New Delhi, passing through states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
In the footage, a family of three, including a woman, is surrounded by Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) and railway staff, who confront them about allegedly putting bedsheets into their luggage. The woman is seen reluctantly taking the bedsheets out of the bag, while the two men with her remain evasive.
The video’s caption reads, “Traveling in 1st AC of Purushottam Express is a matter of pride itself. But still, people are there who don’t hesitate to steal and take home those bedsheets supplied for additional comfort during travel.”
Details about the exact time and location of the incident remain unclear, and authorities have not shared whether the passengers faced any official action.
Traveling in 1st AC of Purushottam express is a matter of pride itself.
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
— ଦେବବ୍ରତ Sahoo ?? (@bapisahoo) September 19, 2025
Social Media Reacts
The clip, shared on X on September 19, has received over 1 lakh views and triggered numerous comments.
A user wrote, “The Railway should start banning people from using trains.”
Another said, “Traveling in 1st AC is a privilege, but stealing bedsheets shows a lack of respect and honesty. Let’s value public resources and maintain decorum.”
Others called the passengers “shameless” or suggested charging a deposit on linen that is refunded after the journey.
Legal Consequences Of Stealing Railway Property
Passengers in AC coaches are provided with linen items like bedsheets, blankets and pillows, which must be returned after the journey.
According to Section 3 of the Indian Railways Act, 1966, stealing or damaging railway property is a punishable offense. A first-time offender may reportedly face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. For repeated or severe violations, the punishment can increase to five years in prison with a higher fine.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel routinely conduct checks to prevent such incidents, reminding passengers to return all provided items at the end of their journey. In addition, authorities emphasise that taking bedsheets or other railway property is considered theft and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Passengers are urged to respect the facilities provided to them and maintain proper decorum while travelling in AC coaches, as such minor acts of dishonesty could result in fines, imprisonment and a permanent mark on one’s travel record.
