The Jackfruit Letter

There is a legend about this hilarious letter which was apparently written by a very irate railway passenger who was left behind at a station while attending nature's call at the platform rest rooms. The letter is supposedly written around 1909 (a precise date of July 2, 1909 is also sometimes claimed), and is addressed to the East Indian Railway or the Transportation Superintendent at Sahibganj, West Bengal.

Dear Sir,

I am arrive by passenger train at Ahmedpore station, and my belly is too much full of jack fruit. I am therefore went to privy, Just as I doing the nuisance, that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with lotah in one hand and dhotie in the next hand. I am fall over and expose my shockings to man, females, woman on platform. I am get leaved at Ahmedpore station.

This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung, that dam guard no wait train 5 minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to make big fine on that guard for public sake, otherwise I am making big report to papers.

Your faithful servant,

Okhil Ch. Sen

It is widely believed that this letter was instrumental in Indian Railways making toilets available in train coaches.