Train Journey Turns Creepy: Woman Exposes Ticket Checker's Unsettling Instagram Request During Trip

A recent incident aboard an Indian Railways train has ignited a fierce debate online concerning passenger privacy and professional conduct. A woman traveling was left deeply unsettled after a ticket checker (TC) allegedly looked her up on Instagram and sent her a follow request while she was still on her journey.

The passenger, identified as Swati, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her alarming experience.

She posted a screenshot showing an Instagram follow request from an account bearing the name 'Rohit Kumar' and a profile picture that matched the TC who had checked her ticket just moments earlier. Her post quickly went viral, attracting widespread attention and strong reactions from internet users.

In her post, Swati described the incident, stating, "I was travelling in train today and the ticket checker checked my ticket.

After sometime he sent me hi and a follow request on Instagram. I mean seriously?" She highlighted the unsettling nature of the act, questioning how the TC managed to find her Instagram profile and emphasizing the breach of privacy she felt.

The incident has sparked outrage among netizens, with many condemning the TC's actions as inappropriate and a violation of personal boundaries.

Users pointed out that a ticket checker's role is strictly professional, involving the verification of tickets, and extends no further into a passenger's personal life or digital presence.

While some social media users debated how the TC might have obtained her information, theories ranged from him seeing her name on the ticket and searching it online, to perhaps glimpsing her phone screen.

Regardless of the method, the consensus was that the act was unprofessional and potentially creepy, making passengers feel unsafe and vulnerable.

The incident underscores a growing concern in the digital age about how personal information, even seemingly innocuous details like a name, can be used to track individuals online.

It also brings into focus the responsibility of service providers, especially those in positions of authority like railway staff, to uphold professional ethics and respect passenger privacy at all times.

Many users urged Swati to officially report the incident to the railway authorities, suggesting that such behavior should not be tolerated and warranted disciplinary action.

This event serves as a stark reminder for both passengers to be vigilant about their digital footprint and for service personnel to maintain strict professional boundaries in their interactions.