Mumbai: A controversial decision by Central Railway to reintroduce hawkers inside Mumbai’s suburban local trains has triggered fresh concerns among daily commuters, particularly over safety and overcrowding. According to reports, authorities have approved around 100 licensed vendors to operate across the Main and Harbour lines, despite strong opposition to a similar proposal in 2023.

Official documents accessed by media outlets indicate that a private agency has been awarded a three-year contract to run vending services on trains operating between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kalyan, as well as on the Harbour line. The plan includes deploying 50 vendors on each corridor, who will be permitted to sell both consumable and non-consumable goods inside train compartments.

The documentation outlines a structured selection process, including Aadhaar verification, police clearance, medical certification and issuance of official identity cards. The detailed framework suggests that the scheme is already in an advanced stage of implementation.

The move has reignited debate as a similar initiative proposed in 2023 had faced intense backlash from commuter groups and activists. At the time, concerns over overcrowding and passenger safety forced railway authorities to withdraw the plan. Critics now allege that the latest rollout has been carried out quietly, without adequate consultation with passenger associations.

Mumbai’s suburban rail network, often referred to as the city’s lifeline, is already grappling with extreme congestion. During peak hours, trains operate far beyond capacity, with passengers frequently seen hanging from doors due to a lack of space. Meanwhile, the introduction of hawkers inside coaches is being viewed as a potential safety hazard that could worsen an already critical situation.

Data from railway records highlights the risks associated with overcrowding. More than 2,000 people reportedly lose their lives annually in railway-related incidents, while nearly 2,500 others sustain injuries.

Defending the initiative, Central Railway officials reportedly stated that the move aims to curb illegal hawking and introduce a regulated system that ensures better services for passengers. Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Swapnil Nila said the scheme is designed to provide convenience while maintaining order within train compartments. As the plan moves forward, it is likely to remain a contentious issue, with commuter safety at the centre of the debate.

Mumbai: The Anti-Terrorism Branch (ATB) of the Special Branch busted a hawala racket after coordinated raids at three locations in Kurar, Malad East, on Wednesday. One accused, Mohammed Islam Ismail Khan alias Salim Rahmatullah Shaikh, 49, has been detained for questioning. An FIR has been registered at Kurar Police Station against accused Mohammed Islam Ismail Khan under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 337, 340(2), and 180 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 12(1)(b) of the Passports Act, 1967, and Sections 3 and 13 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

The raids were conducted at Flat No 1302, Fatema Tower, Pathanwadi; Flat No 904, D-Wing, Sugra Park, RS Road; and a ground-floor office in Parekh Overseas building, all in Malad East.

During the operation, officials seized cash worth ₹12.5 lakh, foreign currency worth around ₹2 lakh in Kuwaiti dinars, multiple fake passports, nine mobile phones, a laptop, an iPad and larg number of documents, including bank wire transfer records.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had been residing in Kuwait for the past 22 years and frequently visited Mumbai for short durations of two to three months. He allegedly owns three laundry businesses in Kuwait and operates two offices in Mumbai.

Police sources said multiple passports were fraudulently obtained under different identities, two in the name of Mohammed Islam Ismail Khan and three in the name of Salim Rahmatullah Shaikh.

Authorities are probing a possible terror funding angle linked to the hawala operations. The detained accused is being questioned, and the process of registering a case at Kurar police station is underway. Senior Police Inspector Umesh Patil confirmed the development.

Mumbai: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has arrested a 21-year-old accused in connection with an alleged ₹13.17 crore cheating and criminal breach of trust case involving transactions in unlisted shares of the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The accused has been identified as Heet Bhavesh Shah (21), a resident of Mira Road–Bhayander. Police sources said Shah is educated up to Class 12 and had undergone training in share market broking. He reportedly aspired to become wealthy through stock market dealings.

An FIR in the matter was initially registered at MRA Marg Police Station, and the probe was later transferred to the EOW for detailed investigation. The complainant, Harith Naginidas Kampani (59), a share consultant operating from Dalal Street, Fort, has been engaged in unlisted share broking and conversion of old physical shares into demat form for the past seven years.

According to the FIR, Kampani stated that he was acquainted with Shah, who also dealt in unlisted shares and operated from the same building. In the first week of June 2025, Shah allegedly informed Kampani that he had unlisted NSE shares available for sale.

On June 8, 2025, Kampani placed an order for 1,00,000 unlisted NSE shares for his clients. Shah quoted ₹19 crore and assured delivery within two days of receiving payment. Accordingly, Kampani transferred ₹19 crore to Shah’s bank account on June 11, 2025.

Subsequently, Kampani placed an additional order for 20,000 unlisted NSE shares—13,700 for clients and 6,300 for himself—for a total of ₹3.50 crore, which he transferred between June 3 and June 12, 2025.

However, despite repeated follow-ups, Shah allegedly failed to deliver the shares and cited various excuses. Following persistent demands, Shah returned ₹11.40 crore on June 16, 2025, and ₹2.5 lakh on June 18, 2025—totalling ₹11.425 crore—but failed to refund the remaining ₹11.075 crore or deliver the shares.

In September 2025, Shah allegedly claimed he was arranging funds for corporate clients and would soon receive brokerage commissions, promising to clear the dues. Trusting him, Kampani transferred an additional ₹2.80 crore on September 1, 2025.

However, Shah returned only 25 lakh unlisted shares of the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI) worth ₹70 lakh on September 3, 2025, and failed to repay the remaining amount.

Despite repeated demands, Shah allegedly continued to give false assurances. The complainant has alleged that Shah misappropriated the funds for personal use and deliberately deceived him.

According to the complaint, Shah collected a total of ₹25.30 crore under the pretext of selling unlisted NSE shares and cheated the complainant of ₹13.17 crore by neither delivering the shares nor refunding the money. Further investigation in the case is ongoing.