This incident was so shocking that its video quickly went viral in the WhatsApp groups of railway employees, after which employee organizations have termed it as inhuman and shameful behavior.
According to the incident, Rajesh Meena, who comes from the Scheduled Tribe community, had undergone piles surgery in Lucknow on 22 February 2026. He initially got sick leave from 22 to 28 February, but as the wound was not completely healed, he asked the Railway Health Unit to extend the leave. According to the union, after examination the doctor recommended extension of leave and asked senior officials to bring the sick memo.
Meena first contacted the Crew Controller and then Chief Crew Controller (CCC) Ratan Kumar. All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) alleges that Meena even showed medical documents, lab reports and dressing, but was still denied leave. Under compulsion, he took off his clothes to show his wounds. Later, after the intervention of a union leader, he was able to get leave for rest.
AILRSA General Secretary K.C. Describing it as a very shameful incident, James said that a loco pilot being forced to take medical leave to such an extent shows the insensitivity of the railway administration. An employee having to show wounds on his private parts is inhumane. We demand strict action against the concerned officer.
After the matter came to light, there is anger among the railway employees and many unions have demanded policy changes to fix accountability from the administration and prevent such incidents. The incident is sparking a debate on the strictness of health and leave procedures for employees in the Railways, especially for those who drive trains and whose health is linked to the safety of trains.
