Mumbai: 264 cops, govt staff caught travelling in handicap coaches

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As many as 264 personnel from the city police and GRP, and staffers from government departments over five months broke the law by travelling in compartments meant for the physically challenged. All of them are yet to face action.

Data showed that the RPF caught 264 public servants in coaches reserved for the handicapped and cancer patients on locals between September 2016 and January 2017, but they were only fined, with no action taken by their departments.

Courting controversy
The revelation was made after divisional security commissioner of railways Sachin Bhalode repeatedly sent letters to all these departments with details of errant public servants for action on them. Bhalode's office recently sent notices to the offices of Mumbai Police commissioner and GRP commissioner.

The heads of these departments now have to tell the HC, hearing a PIL filed by a Ghatkopar-based travel agent, Nitin Gaikwad, on why they did not take action.

Cracking down
Bhalode told mid-day, "We have caught several public servants travelling in these compartments and sent notices to their departments for appropriate action against them."

"The RPF implemented the court's order, and through multiple notices, told the departments to take action. Now, on Tuesday, the Mumbai Police and GRP have to respond to the HC on what action they have taken on the cops whose details the RPF shared with them," Gaikwad said.