Employee's Casual Phone Call Leads to Rs 3 Crore Loss for Railways

New Delhi: In an unusual and costly incident, a seemingly trivial phone call during a station master’s work shift has led to a staggering Rs 3 crore loss for Indian Railways. Media reports indicate that lapse occurred when station master, distracted by a heated conversation with his wife, invertently authorized a train to enter a restricted, Naxal-affected area, resulting in financial setback.

incident unfolded when station master, during a phone call with his wife, casually said “OK” in response to a query. His comment, meant to end conversation, was misconstrued by a loco pilot as a signal to dispatch a goods train on a restricted route. Although accident occurred, violation of night-time operational restrictions triggered penalties amounting to Rs 3 crore.

station master, who lives in Visakhapatnam, has been identified as individual responsible for critical error. His wife, originally from Durg, h been grappling with marital issues, including unresolved emotional attachment to a previous partner. Despite repeated attempts to reassure her husband, wife continued to eng in conversations with her ex, causing tension in ir relationship.

On night of incident, station master, frustrated by ongoing argument, attempted to end phone call quickly with a casual “OK.” Unfortunately, his microphone remained active, and a colleague in control room heard only word “OK,” mistaking it for an order to clear goods train. This simple miscommunication led to train entering a restricted zone, violating operational protocols and resulting in a financial loss for Railways.

Following incident, Railways swiftly suspended station master for his lapse in judgment. However, suspension exacerbated his alrey fragile personal life. According to court records, station master, who h been married to his wife since October 12, 2011, filed for divorce, citing emotional and mental distress caused by ongoing marital conflict.

In response, wife filed a counter-complaint under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code, alleging cruelty and harassment. She accused her husband and his family members, including his elderly far, elder bror, sister-in-law, and maternal uncle, of subjecting her to mistreatment. Fearing for her safety, she sought a transfer of case to Durg, which was granted by Supreme Court after her claims of life threats.

ongoing legal battle continued as Durg family court rejected station master’s divorce petition. Undeterred, man appealed decision to Chhattisgarh High Court, where bench ruled in his favor. court dismissed his wife’s allegations of infidelity, dowry demands, and cruelty, describing m as “baseless.” In its judgment, High Court concluded that wife’s persistent phone arguments and false accusations amounted to “mental cruelty,” ultimately granting station master a divorce.