Couple booked for assaulting ticket checker at CSMT after failing to show valid proof

A ticket checking staffer of Central Railway on duty at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai was assaulted and abused on October 25. A case has been registered against two passengers, who had been asked to produce a valid ticket or proof that they were railway employees.

According to Central Railway, the incident took place between about 6.55 pm and 7 pm at the concourse area near platforms 5 and 6. Jignesh Vasantlal Bhavsar of the ticket checking staff was on duty there.

During a routine ticket check, Bhavsar approached a male and a female passenger and asked them to show their tickets. The man allegedly claimed to be a railway employee. When he was asked for a railway identity card or any other valid proof of employment, he allegedly refused to show it and tried to flee.

Central Railway said that when the ticket checker tried to stop him, the man assaulted Bhavsar. The woman travelling with him also allegedly abused the railway employee and pushed and shoved him.

With the help of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and other railway staff, the two passengers were taken to the railway police station at CSMT. They were identified as Rishikesh Sanjay Pawar (24) and Nikita Rishikesh Pawar (23). Central Railway said neither could prove the claim of being a railway employee, and neither could show valid authority to travel.

The two were then handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP). An FIR has been registered against them for the alleged assault and related offences.

According to a press release issued by Central Railway on Tuesday, the case has been registered under Sections 137, 138 and 145 of the Railways Act, 1989. Sections 132, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have also been invoked.

After the incident, Central Railway reiterated that ticket checking is necessary to ensure authorised travel and protect the interests of genuine passengers. The railway administration has appealed to passengers to cooperate with ticket checking staff and other railway employees on duty. Those who claim to be railway employees or to be entitled to a fare concession must show valid documentary proof when asked by authorised staff.

Central Railway has also warned that violence, misbehaviour or obstruction of railway employees on duty will be taken seriously and dealt with in accordance with the law. The administration said it is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of its employees and to maintaining discipline on railway premises.