Not one, but there have been multiple instances that prove that if social media is used with the right intention and for the right cause, it can do wonders.
Earlier, a 93-year-old grandma was reunited with her family after 40 years, thanks to social media. A disabled girl who hopped to school got a prosthetic leg, again, because of social media.
Now, a passenger travelling via Indian Railways, who was duped by a tea vendor was able to get justice because he used Twitter efficiently.
Taking to the micro-blogging site, a passenger named Pritam Saha, a journalist by profession, complained that he purchased tea for Rs 10 from the vendor and paid Rs 20 to him. The vendor told him that he will return the excess Rs 10 to him. But unfortunately, Saha didn’t get the money.
Concerned about how many passengers vendors like him have looted on trains, Saha protested against it and tagged the official handles of IRCTC.
@IRCTCofficial @IRCTCofficial IRCTC Tea Vender looting people?
Purchased tea for 10. Paid 20. The vender said will return and pay back the change. But it didn't happen. The question is not only getting back the money. The question is how many Rs 10 are going into his pocket?— pritam saha (@Pritam_Journo) January 13, 2023
He was shocked to know that this specific vendor was looting passengers on a regular basis.
“Other vendors insisted that I should share a tweet mentioning the whole incident tagging IRCTC. They even followed up with me three to four times till I finally tweeted. They said, due to this person, they are facing the anger of passengers every day, but can’t do anything,” Saha told Zee News.
@IRCTCofficial Surprised and disappointed 😞 pic.twitter.com/E2ojZsXV49
— pritam saha (@Pritam_Journo) January 13, 2023
The Indian Railways was quick to take cognizance of his complaint and asked him to share his ticket details so that they can investigate the matter further.
@IRCTCofficial
PNR No. 2248144989
Mob: 9330822141— pritam saha (@Pritam_Journo) January 13, 2023
After dodging a fraud call, Saha finally got in touch with the legit officials of Indian Railways who refunded him Rs 10. Moreover, they also took strict action against the vendor in question.
Yes Gandhiji is again with me. Thanks to @IRCTC for the quick response. Also happy to hear that strict action is taken against the said vendor for his misdeeds. pic.twitter.com/yw9WpPJms6
— pritam saha (@Pritam_Journo) January 13, 2023
According to reports, Saha was travelling via ‘Netaji Express’ from Ghaziabad to Howrah. Apparently, the incident happened ahead of Prayagraj Junction.
People online were delighted to know that he got his money back. However, many others highlighted that this isn’t an isolated incident and since he is a journalist, the Indian Railways took his matter seriously and took strict actions.
You are lucky .I ordered food through IRCTC app . Money got deducted no food arrived.amd it was the last station in the afternoon to get food .Called the call centre mo help provided and never repaid back my money. It’s time IRCTC gets to bother about passengers.
— Sekhar Kabiraj (@KabirajSekhar) January 13, 2023
Mr. Pritam u r lucky that u r reporter otherwise these vendors swallowing crores of rupees daily, selling water @Rs20,selling half cup tea @Rs.10,Rs20,IRCTC knows bt not able to control or do anything.
It is very bad 😞 situation either u fight or bear.lots of bad experience— #MAHENDRA #GUPTA (@imahendrag) January 13, 2023
Reported this a few times but no action. Every item is sold at a higher price than prescribed by IRCTC. So its evident that it’s an organised corruption at a very high scale.
— Capt Suresh Sharma (@CaptSuresh_S) January 13, 2023
U r not alone… They do it with everyone….
— Ravinder Rawal (@RAWALRVD) January 14, 2023
Has this ever happened to you?