Hockey Stick Assault: Ticket Inspector Attacked at Nalasopara Station

In a shocking incident highlighting ongoing violence against railway staff, a ticket inspector was assaulted with a hockey stick at Nalasopara station on Thursday. The attack occurred when Vijay Kumar Pandit, 29, confronted a passenger who was traveling in a first-class compartment with a second-class ticket.

Details of the Incident

According to railway unions, the altercation unfolded after Pandit conducted routine ticket checks. The assailant, upon being asked for his ticket, presented a second-class fare from Goregaon to Nalasopara. Pandit informed him that he would need to pay a fine of ₹345 for traveling without a valid ticket in first class. The passenger, claiming he only had ₹210, was offered a reduced fine of ₹150 by Pandit.

After resolving the issue, Pandit resumed his duties. However, moments later, the same passenger allegedly attacked him from behind with a hockey stick, leaving Pandit bleeding and in need of medical attention. He was initially taken to Riddhi Vinayak Hospital and later referred to Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Mumbai Central for further treatment.

## *Response from Authorities

The Vasai Government Railway Police (GRP) have since registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on Pandit’s account, targeting an unidentified individual under sections 121(2) and 132 of the Indian Penal Code. A search for the assailant is currently underway.

A representative from the Western Railway Mazdoor Sangh condemned the violence, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This incident marks the second assault on railway staff in recent weeks, following an earlier attack on another ticket inspector, Jasbir Singh, in August.

## *A Call for Action*

The increasing frequency of assaults on railway personnel raises concerns about their safety and the need for heightened protective measures. Railway unions are advocating for better security protocols to safeguard staff while they perform their duties in an often volatile environment.