Why a Train Driver in Lucknow Had to Take Off His Pants in His Office?
A Lucknow loco pilot was forced to show his surgery wounds to prove his illness after being denied medical leave, sparking outrage among railway staff.
A disturbing incident in the Lucknow Railway Division has triggered widespread anger among railway employees across India after a loco pilot was allegedly forced into a humiliating situation to prove that he was still recovering from surgery.
The incident involved Rajesh Meena, a loco pilot working with Indian Railways in the Lucknow division. According to employee union representatives, Meena had been suffering from piles for a long time and had earlier attempted treatment in Indore. However, his condition did not improve, and doctors eventually advised him to undergo surgery.
Meena underwent piles surgery in Lucknow on 22 February and was granted medical leave until 29 February to recover. However, after a week, his wounds had not fully healed and he continued to experience pain. Doctors recommended additional rest and further recovery time.
Following medical advice, Meena visited the Railway Health Unit where doctors examined him and confirmed that he required extended medical leave. They asked him to obtain a “sick memo” from his department — an official document issued by supervisors that allows an employee to extend medical leave.
According to reports, Meena first contacted his crew controller and later approached Chief Crew Controller Ratan Kumar. He reportedly carried all relevant medical documents, including lab reports, prescriptions and treatment records. He also showed the bandages and surgical dressings he was using after the operation.
Despite these documents, the officer allegedly refused to issue the sick memo.
Meena reportedly tried to explain that he was still recovering and could not safely perform his duties. Loco pilots often work shifts lasting 10 to 12 hours and are responsible for the safety of hundreds or even thousands of passengers.
According to the All India Loco Running Staff Association, the situation left Meena feeling helpless. In an attempt to prove the seriousness of his condition, he removed his trousers in front of the officer and showed his unhealed surgical wounds.
Some colleagues present during the incident reportedly recorded the moment on video.
The video later circulated in railway WhatsApp groups, quickly sparking shock and anger among railway employees across the country.
Many workers said the incident reflected a lack of dignity and respect toward employees. Union leaders also condemned the situation, stating that it was shameful that a railway employee had to take such an extreme step to demonstrate a medical condition.
They further highlighted the intense pressure faced by loco pilots, noting that even a small mistake during duty could lead to serious railway accidents.
Union representatives claimed that the officer initially continued to refuse the leave request.
Meena then contacted a union leader from the Scheduled Tribe community, to which he also belongs. The leader raised the issue with higher railway authorities. Following this intervention, Meena was eventually granted additional medical leave.
As of now, the Divisional Railway Manager of the Lucknow division has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Railway employees and unions say the episode highlights the urgent need for improved employee welfare, stronger grievance mechanisms and greater respect for workers within one of the world’s largest railway networks.
