Fight on Mumbai’s AC local: Here’s why 2 TCs were suspended

The suspended ticket checkers have been identified as Ajay Shankar and Ibadat Khan.

The Western Railway (WR), on Saturday, suspended two ticket checkers who allegedly let six passengers travel without tickets on the air-conditioned (AC) Churchgate-Virar local and fought with the passengers over the issue on Friday.

A fight broke out between two ticket checkers and passengers on Mumbai’s AC local on Friday. (HT File (Representational Image))

The suspended ticket checkers have been identified as Ajay Shankar and Ibadat Khan. “Further probe is going on,” said Ravider Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR. The AC local departing from Churchgate at 7.49pm witnessed a scuffle between passengers and ticket checkers between Dadar and Borivli.

Passengers alleged that the ticket checkers offered six men proper seats and peanuts to eat, while those with tickets had to travel standing. Pramod Doshi, 60, a regular commuter of the AC local said the argument ensued when he asked the ticket checkers to check the tickets of the six men. Passengers caught two of the six men while the other four escaped.

“The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other ticket checkers on the AC train were mute spectators to the incident,” said Doshi. He said some passengers had pulled the alarm chain at Andheri. Some passengers posted the incident on social media, tagging railway minister Piyush Goyal to take action against the ticket checkers.

India’s first AC local is being operated since December 25. The WR has mandated that at least one ticket checker has to remain present in each coach.