The female cleaning worker who works at the Malda railway station in West Bengal is worth this column for her honest display of honesty. When I write two words meaning the same, it just means how much the act of Seema Roy had impressed me, probably in her shoes; I would not think so much.

In spite of the mounting day to day problems like escalating costs of even essential commodities, surge in cost of living and inadequate earning means, sometimes make one’s mind wander in the distant lands for comfort. But even in such a situation Seema was undeterred when she found a bag stacked, with currency notes amounting to Rs. 23 lakhs. The bag was left by an unknown passenger in the AC compartment, of Gour Express, which runs from Sealdah to Malda. As usual the lady went in for cleaning when the train was at the Malda loco shed.

The lady instantly rushed to the Govt Railway Police station inside the station and handed over the bag. Had she thought otherwise, she could have walked away with the bag, as there was no checking at the exit. But the honesty of the lady has to be commended and the authorities plan to send her name for an award. Imagine the 41-year old widow, only earns about Rs 9,000 per month, with two children to fend.

Seema said, `I became nervous, how can someone leave behind such a huge amount of cash? I started shouting on seeing the bag under the seat of the AC first-class compartment. Other cleaners then rushed in. I went to the GRP and handed over the bag. I want the money to reach the person who had left the bag by mistake in the train compartment.’

The noble lady only repeatedly said, “I sincerely hope the rightful owner gets it back.”

According to Malda Town rail police, the money would be handed over to a court from where it can be claimed after furnishing proof. But till yesterday nobody came to claim money. (With inputs from internet-AarKay)