Mumbai: The DB Marg Police have arrested Channa Begum Shaikh alias Roja (38), a woman accused in a 2013 case registered under Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). Roja had been absconding for the past 12 years.

The Sessions Court had recently issued a standing non-bailable warrant against Roja, directing the DB Marg Police to trace and arrest her. Acting on confidential information, the police learned she was working at a cosmetic shop in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.

A team led by PSI Azeem Shaikh conducted technical surveillance, traced her mobile number, analyzed CDR records, and identified her frequent contacts. Based on the findings, the DB Marg Police, with local police assistance, tracked and apprehended Roja from her workplace.

During questioning, Roja admitted to evading court appearances since 2013. Following Supreme Court guidelines, she was formally arrested and produced before the Kadapa court, which granted a five-day transit remand. She will be presented before the Sessions Court in Mumbai on October 11 for further remand proceedings.

The operation was carried out by the Wanted Fugitive Tracking Unit under the Girgum Division of Zone 2, Mumbai Police. Authorities commended the team’s persistence in capturing a fugitive who evaded law for over a decade.

In anticipation of the upcoming festive rush and the expected surge in passenger movement, Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Division has introduced extensive crowd management and passenger facilitation measures to ensure safe, smooth, and efficient train operations. These arrangements have been deployed across key stations, including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat.

According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway (WR), all designated passenger holding areas have been equipped with essential amenities such as seating arrangements, drinking water, toilets, adequate lighting, fans, and public announcement systems. To further streamline operations, additional ticket counters have been commissioned at each location.

To ensure smooth passenger flow, around 20 extra Ticket Checking staff and RPF personnel have been deployed per station for queue management, assistance, and security.

Substantial covered holding capacities have been created at major stations to accommodate passengers ahead of train departures.

Bandra Terminus: Over 210 sq. metres of sheltered space near the east entry of Platform No. 1.

Vapi: Covered area of 110 sq. metres near the FOB landing.

Udhna: Three earmarked covered spaces exceeding 3,200 sq. metres on both sides of the station, with ongoing expansion work.

Surat: Two holding areas of over 1,200 sq. metres, one near the west entrance adjoining the PRS office and another near the east booking office.

Western Railway has urged passengers to use designated waiting areas instead of crowding near platforms or entry gates.

“Passengers are advised to follow the instructions of on-duty staff and security personnel. With thousands expected to board trains within short time windows, cooperation will ensure orderly movement and timely departures,” a WR official stated.

In a remarkable act of compassion, the Jain community in Mumbai distributed ₹1.38 crore to 141 gaushalas across Maharashtra that were affected by recent floods.

According to Paresh Shah, a member of the Maharashtra Goseva Aayog, the donations will help the gaushalas purchase fodder and essential supplies for their cattle. Each gaushala received ₹50,000 as part of the relief distribution.

The contribution was made during the ‘Jivdaya Mahotsav’, held on Sunday at a Jain temple in Chinchpokli. Of the total amount, the Sheth Damji Lakshmichand Charitable Trust contributed ₹63 lakh. The community also launched a ₹27-lakh animal ambulance to aid animal welfare initiatives in Mumbai.

The event was graced by Shaina N C, national spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, as the chief guest, and Girishbhai Shah from the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Notable donors included the Deepakbhai Bheda family and the Diyodar Jain Sangh, each contributing ₹11 lakh.

Organisers said the initiative reflects the Jain community’s commitment to ‘Jivdaya’ (compassion for all living beings) and aims to support animal shelters struggling after the floods.