Train bullies beat up journalist Sudhir Shukla on Virar-Churchgate route

Boarding a local train, during rush hour, is a life-threatening hazard as is, there is the added danger of crossing the notorious train bullies that prohibit people from alighting and boarding the train at certain stations on fast trains.

Television journalist, Sudhir Shukla, became a victim of one such gang on Wednesday. Shukla was beaten black and blue when he boarded a Virar-Churchgate local at Mira Road station at 7 am. Shukla works for a national news channel and was on his way to office.

A group of men, standing on the footboard, initially restricted him from entering the compartment, stating it was too crowded.

"But Shukla managed to board the train, after which he was assaulted," said his colleague. "He sustained severe injuries to his head, which was bleeding profusely. When Shukla tried to take their pictures, the assailants snatched his phone and deleted the photographs. His gold chain also got lost in the incident. He alighted at Andheri station and approached the railway police."

Later, the Television Journalist Association and Mumbai Crime Reporters Association brought the matter to the notice of the state administration, after which Minister of State for Home, Dr Ranjit Patil — in a tweet — instructed the police to take stern action in the matter.

Mumbai Press Club condemned the violence via a statement: "These commuters are known for blocking others from travelling in peak hours. The violence goes unchecked by the police, despite repeated incidents. The Club has informed higher ups in the government and police, and asked for arresting the attackers. It also demanded that a permanent mechanism be put in place on all suburban lines to prevent such attacks on hapless commuters. This isn't just our cause, but a larger public issue that needs to be fixed immediately."

Shukla was initially taken to Cooper Hospital and the Andheri Railway Police registered a case under section 395 (dacoity) and 397 (Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of Indian Penal Code.

"Footage from various CCTVs is being examined to identify the accused. According to Shukla, the group contained at least 10 persons, of which five assaulted him," said deputy commissioner of police, GRP (Western Railway), Purshottam Karam.

Ravinder Bhakar, Chief PRO, Western Railway said: "We have been constantly carrying out drives in the past to prevent such bullies who do not allow other people to board. We will increase patrolling and RPF staff will travel in trains during peak hours to nab people indulging in bullying".

Subhash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Parishad said: "It seems that these train bullies do not fear railway administration and its police. There is a need to tighten patrolling against such groups."

NOT THE FIRST TIME 

• Some men, standing on the footboard, initially restricted him from entering the compartment
   
• Sudhir Shukla managed to board the train, after which he was assaulted
   
• Shukla was taken to Cooper Hospital