Mumbai, Sep 1: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) intensified its crackdown on activities compromising the safety and convenience of railway passengers in the Mumbai Central Division in August, taking action in 2,581 cases involving unauthorised entry, illegal vending, trespassing into women’s and PwD coaches, transportation of alcohol and other passenger safety violations.

During the month-long campaign, the RPF collected approximately Rs 32.26 lakh in fines under various provisions of the amended Railway Act. The action sent a clear message that there would be no leniency towards those violating rules on railway premises.

Under the guidance of Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Mumbai Central, Santosh Kumar Singh Rathore, teams formed by ASC Surat, ASC Virar and ASC Mumbai Central, led by SIPF In-charge Santosh Soni, along with other staff, conducted a comprehensive enforcement campaign throughout August.

The primary objective of the campaign was to ensure a safe environment for railway passengers and curb activities that compromise security and passenger amenities on railway premises.

The RPF took major action against unauthorised entry onto railway tracks. As many as 985 individuals were apprehended under Section 147, and a fine of Rs 4,92,500 was collected from them. The action was aimed at reducing the risk of accidents and preventing people from entering restricted railway areas.

To ensure the safety of women passengers, the RPF also took action against men and outsiders entering ladies’ coaches without authorisation. A total of 83 individuals were apprehended under Section 162, and fines amounting to Rs 2,07,500 were collected. The enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring a safe and comfortable travel environment for women.

The RPF also took action against people travelling in coaches reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). A total of 474 individuals were apprehended under Section 155 for unauthorised travel, and approximately Rs 9.48 lakh in fines was collected. The action was intended to protect facilities specifically reserved for passengers with disabilities.

The force also acted on complaints involving extortion, misbehaviour and nuisance caused to passengers on trains and railway stations. As many as 211 transgender persons were apprehended under Section 145-B. The action was aimed at providing relief to passengers from activities such as alleged extortion and harassment.

A separate campaign was launched against the illegal transportation of alcohol on railway premises, during which 32 individuals were caught. The RPF said the action was aimed at curbing such activities and strengthening passenger safety.

The RPF also launched a major crackdown on unauthorised hawkers selling goods at railway stations and on trains. As many as 774 unauthorised vendors were apprehended under Section 144, and fines totalling Rs 15,48,000 were collected. The action was aimed at controlling unauthorised commercial activities and improving security on railway premises.

Action was also taken against people parking vehicles in no-parking zones on station premises. Six individuals were fined a total of Rs 3,000 under Section 159. Three individuals were fined Rs 6,000 each under Section 167 for smoking.

The RPF also took action against people pasting posters and stickers on local trains and railway coaches. Ten individuals were apprehended under Section 166 and fined Rs 20,000. The action was aimed at preventing the defacement of railway property.

In another incident, a man was caught dangerously travelling on the footboard of a moving train and was fined Rs 1,000. Such enforcement is intended to prevent accidents and injuries caused by passengers travelling in an unsafe manner.

The RPF also took action against a man for unnecessary alarm chain pulling, which resulted in the train being stopped without a valid reason. In another case, a suspected habitual criminal was caught allegedly stealing a passenger’s luggage, highlighting the force’s continued vigilance regarding the safety of passengers and their belongings.

Mumbai, Aug 31: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said that denotified and nomadic communities do not need sympathy but their constitutional rights, dignity and justice.

He asserted that the state government is committed to ensuring these communities lead a stable, worry‑free life. He announced that a nationwide movement will be launched by uniting 52 nomadic and denotified tribes.

Speaking at the Shiv Sena Nomadic and Denotified Tribes (DNT) Rights, Justice, and Development Convention 2026, DCM Shinde recalled the historic background of the observance, pointing out that the British regime had unjustly branded these working‑class communities as “born criminals” under the Criminal Tribes Act.

“On August 31, 1952, the community was finally freed from this stigma. Hence, this day marks a historic milestone of freedom, self‑respect and struggle,” he said, adding that the demand was not for favour but for fundamental rights and dignity.

Acknowledging persistent administrative challenges faced by the community regarding basic documentation, such as caste certificates, voter IDs, ration cards and official identity proofs, as well as access to housing, healthcare, education and employment, Shinde pledged the government’s full support to resolve these issues.

He emphasised that the identity of denotified tribes must evolve beyond struggle into fields of education, entrepreneurship, leadership and overall progress, expressing his vision to see youth from these backgrounds become doctors, lawyers, engineers and business leaders.

Highlighting key government initiatives tailored for the youth, Shinde mentioned free competitive exam coaching, educational scholarships, health insurance, financial assistance for self‑employment, skill development programmes and startup support.

He further committed to enhancing the capacity and schemes under the Vasantrao Naik Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes Development Corporation.

To celebrate and preserve the traditional art, handicrafts and cultural heritage of nomadic tribes, Shinde announced that the state will host a large‑scale cultural conclave to provide artists with a prominent platform and financial encouragement. He also lauded the community’s historical contributions to the rural economy.

Invoking B.R. Ambedkar’s message, “Educate, Agitate, Organise”, Shinde urged the 52 communities to maintain unified strength.

“Individual fingers point in different directions, but when clenched into a fist, they create formidable strength,” he said.

Encouraging the youth to become “change‑makers,” Shinde stressed that the goal of the convention was not merely a show of strength but to bring about tangible transformation on the ground.

Reaffirming the continuation of welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, he assured that the development of farmers, workers and underprivileged sections remains the government’s utmost priority.

“Eknath Shinde stands by his word,” he concluded, assuring the gathering of his unwavering support in their battle for rights, respect and advancement.

Mumbai, Aug 31: Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam on Monday clarified that the 2.07 crore electors categorised under “Uncollectable Enumeration Forms” during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 drive are not permanently removed from the rolls.

He said the figure, accounting for 21.15 per cent of Maharashtra’s 9.78 crore electorate, marks exclusion from the draft electoral roll, not immediate deletion.

“I appeal to every voter to check the draft electoral roll. Do not merely look at statewide figures. Check whether your own name is on the list and whether your details are correct. If your name is missing, apply for inclusion. If there is an error, request a correction. If there is an issue regarding removal, you can submit Form 6 to apply for re‑inclusion. The draft list is not the final list; a complete process of claims and objections will take place before the final voter list is released,” he said.

On categorisation, Chockalingam explained that the 2.07 crore uncollected forms include 75.52 lakh absent or untraceable voters, 76.80 lakh permanently shifted, 34.81 lakh deceased, 17.63 lakh duplicate entries or voters registered elsewhere, and 2.23 lakh under other reasons.

Draft voter lists are being published on District Collector websites for citizens to verify names, with copies also provided to booth‑level agents of political parties.

Emphasising the multi‑stage nature of the process, he said 100 per cent accuracy is not claimed at this stage. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were expected to visit a voter’s house at least once, and if not found, make up to three visits. Classifications were based on the outcome of these visits.

He explained that “Absent/Untraceable” means a person remains untraceable, with status unknown; they may have shifted or be unavailable. “Permanently Shifted” is categorised only when concrete information confirms relocation. “Deceased” is based on official records, death certificates or family reports. “Duplicate/Registered Elsewhere” applies when a voter’s name is already registered in another constituency.

Provisional lists are being published, and BLOs have been instructed to verify information and assist eligible voters by collecting Form 6 or Form 8 where needed.

Acknowledging practical challenges, Chockalingam said genuine voters might have been categorised under uncollected forms by mistake. In urban areas, many residents return home only after 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. and are unavailable during standard working hours. BLOs cannot work late into the night, especially since many are women, imposing operational limitations.

“This is why I am clarifying that this process has multiple stages, and we do not claim absolute accuracy at this draft phase. The list published on August 31 is only a draft. If anyone notices an error, it can be corrected. This is not the sole responsibility of a few officials; every voter in the constituency must verify and check the draft,” he urged.