Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 17: A ticket-checking incident at Kandivli railway station triggered a commotion on Friday evening after a woman’s clothes were allegedly partially torn during an encounter with chief ticket inspector (CTI) Priya Ambavade, who had caught her travelling without a valid ticket.
According to Western Railway (WR), a group of people later gathered outside the ticket-checking office and allegedly pressured Ambavade to issue a public apology.
The incident occurred around 7.30 pm in the station’s western circulating area during routine ticket checks. WR said Ambavade caught the woman, aged around 25, travelling without a valid ticket. The woman allegedly requested that she be allowed to leave without paying the penalty, but the ticket inspector continued with the prescribed procedure.
The woman allegedly attempted to flee to avoid further action. Ambavade tried to stop her but lost her balance and fell on the platform. During the ensuing incident, the woman’s clothes were partially torn, WR said.
The woman was subsequently taken to the ticket-checking office for further action. However, three to four unidentified women accompanying her allegedly intervened and forcibly took her away from railway premises, disrupting the official process.
The situation escalated when a group of people gathered outside the office and accused Ambavade of using inappropriate language and behaving arrogantly. They allegedly demanded that she apologise publicly, but she refused.
Personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) intervened to control the situation and disperse the gathering. Most of the people left following the intervention, although a few reportedly remained at the spot. Railway authorities continued to monitor the situation.
Western Railway said ticket-checking personnel must be allowed to discharge their duties without intimidation or obstruction. It added that complaints against railway staff should be examined through appropriate channels and based on available evidence.