Loco pilot undresses before senior officer after leave denial in Lucknow rail division

A loco pilot in the Lucknow division of the Indian Railways allegedly undressed before a senior officer to show unhealed surgical wounds after being denied rest following a piles surgery, triggering outrage among railway staff unions.

According to the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), the incident involved loco pilot Rajesh Meena , who claimed he was forced into the desperate act after his request for extended medical leave was rejected by Chief Crew Controller Ratan Kumar . A video of the confrontation, recorded by colleagues, circulated widely on WhatsApp groups of railway employees, prompting sharp criticism from union leaders.

Meena had been suffering from piles for a long time and, after unsuccessful treatment in Indore, underwent surgery in Lucknow on February 22. He was granted leave from February 22 to February 28 for the procedure. However, when the surgical wound failed to heal within a week, he approached the Railway Health Unit seeking an extension of leave.

AILRSA leaders said the attending doctor examined Meena and advised him to obtain a “sick memo” from his superiors to process the leave extension. Meena subsequently approached the crew controller and later the Chief Crew Controller with medical documents, including laboratory reports, prescriptions and details of his dressings.

Despite presenting the documents and explaining his condition, the officer allegedly refused to issue the memo. Union representatives said that, in frustration, Meena removed his trousers to show the wound to prove the seriousness of his condition.

AILRSA secretary general K. C. James described the incident as “shameful,” saying a loco pilot should not have to resort to such measures to secure medical leave. The union has demanded strict action against the officer concerned.

Union officials said Meena was eventually granted rest leave after a community union leader raised the issue with senior officials in the division.

There was no immediate response from Sunil Kumar Verma , Divisional Railway Manager of the Lucknow division under Northern Railway, when contacted about the incident.