NCDRC orders Indian Railways to pay Rs 4.7 lakh for passenger's bag theft due to negligence
New Delhi: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered Indian Railways to compensate a passenger, Dilip Kumar Chaturvedi, with Rs 4.7 lakh for the theft of his luggage during a journey on the Amarkantak Express in May 2017. The theft occurred when Chaturvedi and his family were travelling from Katni to Durg.
The incident took place on May 9, 2017, at around 2:30 AM. Chaturvedi lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the railway police, reporting that his luggage, containing cash and valuables worth approximately Rs 9.3 lakh, was stolen while the train was in motion. Chaturvedi alleged that despite taking reasonable precautions to secure his luggage, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) failed to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the reserved coach.
Initially, Chaturvedi approached the Durg district consumer commission, which ruled in his favour, directing the South East Central Railway GM, Durg station master, and Bilaspur Government Railway Police (GRP) thana in-charge to pay the claimed amount. However, the railway authorities challenged the district commission’s order in the state commission, which quashed the earlier ruling.
Chaturvedi then filed a revision petition with the NCDRC, arguing that the railway staff, particularly the TTE and police personnel, were negligent, resulting in the theft. He contended that s. 100 of the Railway Act, which exempts the railways from liability for loss or damage to luggage unless it has been officially booked and a receipt issued, did not apply in this case due to the clear negligence of railway officials.
The NCDRC bench, after reviewing the case, dismissed Indian Railways' defence and ruled that the theft occurred due to the negligence of the railway staff. The commission ordered Indian Railways to pay Rs 4.7 lakh to Chaturvedi as compensation for the stolen belongings, along with an additional Rs 20,000 for the mental anguish caused by the incident.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
