Mumbai: Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Division has achieved a remarkable milestone in ticket checking performance during the current financial year. The division has not only surpassed previous records but also registered the highest-ever earnings in ticket checking between April to August 2025, as compared to any corresponding period of earlier years.

In recognition of their dedication and outstanding service, Pankaj Singh Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Central Division felicitated 36 ticket checking staff members for their exceptional performance.

According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the division has earned over ₹40 crore from ticket checking till August 2025, as against ₹31 crore during the same period last year, reflecting an impressive growth of almost 30%.

During the period from April to August 2025, almost 4.50 lakh ticketless travellers were apprehended. This outstanding achievement is the result of the sustained efforts of the ticket checking staff.

During the period, the highest individual revenue earners among the ticket checking staff were C.K. Sinha, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, Udhna, who collected almost ₹45 lakh, and Deepak S. Sapkale, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, Surat, who garnered more than ₹35 lakh. Their exemplary performance has set a benchmark for others in the division.

Yet another unique highlight of Mumbai Central Division’s performance has been the contribution by the Special Ladies Ticket Checking Squad. This squad consists of two teams comprising of 10 members each. Between April to August 2025, the squad detected more than 38,400 cases and generated revenue of around ₹109 lakh.

Amongst the women staff, Sheetal Sakru, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, Mumbai Central, emerged as the top performer with collection of almost ₹7 lakh as penalty. This showcases the efficiency, commitment and dedication of the women’s squad.

The remarkable efforts of the ticket checking staff promotes passenger discipline and strengthens Western Railway’s image as a responsible and efficient organisation.

The upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, in Dubai, has sparked a major political controversy in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, has strongly opposed India’s participation, citing the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed.

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks that “blood and water cannot flow together.” He said, “Blood has been spilled now and yet cricket is being played?” Addressing district chiefs from Vidarbha and Marathwada at his Bandra residence ‘Matoshree,’ Thackeray directed party workers to stage aggressive protests on match day.

Meanwhile, UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the BCCI through social media. Calling the cricket board’s decision “not just anti-national, but anti-human,” he wrote, “Playing with Pakistan, from where the terrorists who massacred Indians in Pahalgam came, for money is absolute shamelessness. Pakistan even boycotted the Asia Cup Hockey in India. What is worse is the silence of the Union Government.”

The issue has taken a sharp political turn, with Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar slamming the UBT’s stand. “Our position has always been that India will not tour Pakistan, nor will Pakistan tour India. But in international tournaments, the Indian team cannot refuse to participate. What sort of stand is this? It is not appropriate,” Shelar said on Friday.

Taking a dig at Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, Shelar reminded them that Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad was once hosted at the residence of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. “Those who oppose India’s participation now should remember that Balasaheb had invited Miandad to his home,” he remarked.

Thane: The Thane Crime Branch units II and III have arrested five habitual vehicle thieves and solved 26 theft cases, recovering 28 stolen motorcycles worth over ₹17 lakh.

The accused have been identified as Atul Khandagale (24) of Pune, Shekhar Pawar (30) of Jalgaon, Akash Nasargandh (23) of Kalyan, Ghazi Hussain (19) of Ambivli in Kalyan, and Mustaque Ansari of Bhiwandi.

Thane Police recently launched a special drive against vehicle theft across the commissionerate. Acting on a tip-off and with the help of technical intelligence, the crime branch laid a trap and apprehended the suspects.

According to officials, the recovered vehicles were stolen from multiple jurisdictions, including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, and Thane Rural. The seized vehicles, comprising motorcycles and cars, are valued at ₹17,89,899.

All the accused were produced in court and remanded to police custody for further investigation.