Freedom fighters complimentary pass racket unearthed

Bangalore, May 30 (UNI) A racket involving fraudulent use of first class complimentary passes by freedom fighters from North India was today unearthed by the South Western Railway officials and two freedom fighters were caught red-handed in this connection.

SWR, in a release here today, said Freedom Fighters' Association President Bachander Singh Thakur (87) and Vishamber Das Verma of Punjab were caught red-handed while travelling from New Delhi to Bangalore in 2 tier AC coach of the Karnataka Express. However, four others travelling with them managed to give a slip to the police and escape. The duo were handed over to the Government Railway Police through the Railway Protection Force for initiating further action.

During inquiry, it was revealed that Mr Thakur possessed ten to 12 such complimentary passes and used to supply it regularly to others for a charge. He would affix the passenger's photograph on a genuine pass and get it attested. The passenger had to return the pass to him on completion of the journey, the release said.

UNI GD SKB2005