Gatekeeper's protest delays EMU services

The movement of three suburban EMU services between Tambaram and Chengalpattu was delayed on Tuesday afternoon due to a protest by a gatekeeper who was assaulted by a railway employee.According to Government Railway Police sources, Senthilvelu was a gatekeeper at Level Crossing No. 45 between Maraimalai Nagar and Singaperumal Koil stations. Around 3 p.m., the gates were opened by him after he received the signal for the same. Arjunan, a Southern Railway employee working at the Electric Multiple Unit Car Shed in Tambaram, was waiting at the level crossing on a motorcycle at that time.He was reportedly incensed over the delay in opening the gates long after a train had passed. He got into an argument with Senthilvelu, who tried to explain that he had opened the gates only after he received the signal. Arjunan slapped Senthilvelu in a fit of rage and sped away. In protest, Senthilveu did not close the gates resulting in the delay in movement of three suburban electric trains between Tambaram and Chengalpattu. Southern Railway officials came to the spot and the problem was set right. Senthilvelu was taken to the Chengalpattu Medical College Government Hospital for treatment. A case has been registered at Government Railway Police Station, Tambaram.