Tensions Escalate at PLW Amid Allegations of Misconduct and Partiality, Railway Board Mum
Patiala, 2025: The Patiala Locomotive Works (#PLW), a major production unit under #IndianRailways, is in the grip of serious administrative unrest following allegations of misconduct, favouritism, and gender-based harassment. The controversy has sparked significant concern over workplace ethics, safety, and impartiality at one of the Railways’ flagship establishments, but #RailwayBoard is keeping complete mum.
PCAO Accused of Bias and Abuse of Power
At the centre of the controversy is Rajesh Mohan, Principal Chief Administrative Officer (#PCAO), who is reportedly facing allegations of administrative favouritism, particularly towards the SC/ST Employees. Internal sources claim that Mr. Mohan’s actions have undermined discipline and deepened factionalism within the workforce.
Pamphlet Incident Sparks Outrage
Tensions escalated after #derogatory pamphlets targeting a senior female officer were found in men’s restrooms—pasted above urinals—during a protest led by the SC/ST Association. The materials, widely condemned across PLW, have been described by staff and officers as a direct attack on the dignity and safety of women in the workplace.
Despite multiple complaints and internal appeals, no any visible administrative action has been taken by the PCAO/PLW, intensifying outrage among employees—particularly female staff who feel unsafe and unheard.
Female Employees Claim Reprisal, Not Redressal
A group of female officials reportedly approached PCAO Rajesh Mohan with their concerns. However, they allege they were dismissed, reprimanded, and denied even a proper hearing. Instead of receiving support, they now believe they are being targeted for speaking up.
In a related incident, the vehicle of the senior female officer mentioned in the pamphlets was allegedly attacked during the protest, with agitators climbing atop it. Attempts by some senior officers against culprits to initiate #disciplinary proceedings were reportedly blocked by PCAO.
Transfer of Complainant Raises Eyebrows
In what many are calling a retaliatory move, the victim senior lady officer who raised formal complaints has now been abruptly transferred, even as no action has been taken against those named in the complaints. This has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, raising questions about fairness, misuse of authority, and the suppression of whistleblowers.
Misuse of Office Alleged Against PCAO’s Spouse
Further complicating matters, multiple employees have alleged that the PCAO’s wife has been misusing the General Manager’s office space for personal gatherings, including kitty parties. She has reportedly taken selfies while seated in the PCAO’s official chair, a move seen by many as a blatant breach of protocol and an insult to institutional decorum.
Conflict of Interest & Misuse of Premises
Sources have also revealed that Mr. Mohan, despite holding a key administrative post, is allegedly heading the SC/ST Employees Association himself—a clear conflict of interest. Reports claim that association meetings have been held at his official residence (Rail House), further raising concerns about the misuse of government premises and authority.
Mounting Discontent Among UR Employees
The latest developments have triggered widespread resentment among Unreserved (#UR) category employees, who claim they are being sidelined and silenced under administrative pressure. Some suggest that the Railway Board itself may be complicit—or at least apathetic—in failing to intervene.
Also Read: “A crisis is brewing in Patiala Loco Works”
The present situation in PLW has become extremely sensitive. Under pressure of the PCAO, all promotions granted over the past years are being re-examined in light of RBE 147/2023, resulting in the stoppage of promotions and even reversion of several Unreserved employees. It is crucial to highlight that RBE 147/2023 is currently under judicial challenge before multiple courts across the country.
Consequently, resentment among Unreserved employees has reached an unprecedented level. The atmosphere is highly volatile—akin to a powder keg that could ignite with even the smallest spark—posing a serious risk to industrial harmony and workplace discipline.
One senior employee, speaking anonymously, questioned: “If the situation deteriorates further, who will take responsibility?”
Calls for Immediate and Impartial Action
With tensions at PLW continuing to rise, employees across ranks are now urging the Railway Board and Minister for Railways to conduct a fair and independent inquiry into the matter. There are strong calls for accountability, gender sensitivity, and the restoration of a dignified and impartial work environment.
As the situation remains volatile, all eyes are now on the top leadership of Indian Railways to address the issue with urgency and neutrality—before the unrest spirals out of control.
When Asked Rajesh Mohan—
Regarding the above shameful situation, when #Railwhispers called PCAO/PLW Rajesh Mohan and asked about the reason behind the unrest that occurred at PLW recently, Mohan stated that the Railway Board’s guidelines regarding reservations were not being followed. When he was asked whether this was an administrative matter that should have been resolved by him and the Railway Board, and how the employees became involved, Rajesh Mohan had no answer. He also had no explanation for how unrest spread in the factory and why he didn’t handle the situation.
Then, when they were asked, A female officer under your authority was surrounded by hundreds of employees, people climbed onto her car, hung from the front of it, and her life was endangered. Pamphlets with her name were posted in the urinals of the men’s restroom, publicly humiliating her. Did you conduct any investigation into this? Did you form a fact-finding committee? Who was found guilty? What do you have to say about this? Rajesh Mohan initially remained silent, and when asked again, he evasively replied that he hadn’t done anything of the sort. However, his implication was that the Railway Board would handle whatever needed to be done. So the question arises: why was he posted there in the first place? What purpose does he serve there?
However, when he was asked why his wife was sitting in his official chair, and why he didn’t stop her, and whether this wasn’t a violation of official protocol and an insult to the dignity of the chair, Rajesh Mohan had no answer! To be continue…