Mumbai: A breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Mumbai, with Crime Branch sources indicating that the attack was financed entirely through hawala channels.

According to investigators, the accused involved in recruiting the shooters, identified as Golu Pandit, received funds via an illegal hawala network rather than through formal banking systems. The money was allegedly routed through multiple locations, including Nepal, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

Sources further revealed that the financial operations were orchestrated by Arju Bishnoi, an operator linked to the Bishnoi gang. The gang reportedly used its network to channel funds and execute the plan.

Golu Pandit is said to have played a crucial role in the conspiracy. He not only recruited the shooters but also arranged shelter, logistics, and other support required for carrying out the attack. Preliminary findings suggest that the incident was not spontaneous, but the result of a well-planned operation executed over a period of time.

‘Maintain Silence’ Instructions Before Arrest : Crime Branch sources also disclosed that Golu Pandit had been instructed in advance to remain silent if apprehended by the police. Following the arrest of shooters in Haryana, the gang anticipated that Pandit could be the next target of law enforcement action.

It is alleged that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi conveyed a message through Arju Bishnoi, directing Golu Pandit not to reveal any information about other members of the syndicate under any circumstances. As a result, despite nearly 12 days of police custody, investigators have reportedly been unable to extract significant additional information from him.

Mumbai’s lifeline was thrown into disarray on Sunday morning as the demolition of the old Elphinstone railway bridge disrupted Central Railway services, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and struggling to reach their destinations.

Train Services Hit Across Key Routes

The demolition work, taking place between Parel and Prabhadevi, has led to the cancellation of several local and express trains. Many others have been short terminated or operated on altered routes, creating a ripple effect across the network.

Train movement between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Dadar has been particularly affected. Services towards Kurla, Thane, and nearby stations have also faced delays and irregular operations, adding to the confusion among passengers.

Overcrowded Platforms and Long Waits

With fewer trains running, railway stations witnessed heavy crowds during the morning rush. Platforms were packed with commuters, many of whom were seen sitting on floors or standing in long queues, waiting for updates.

Regular passengers described the situation as chaotic, with announcements being delayed or unclear. Many were forced to seek alternative transport options, while others chose to wait it out despite the uncertainty.

Authorities Work to Restore Normalcy

Railway officials acknowledged the disruption and stated that efforts are underway to restore services at the earliest. Additional staff have been deployed at key stations to manage crowds and assist passengers. However, officials also warned that services may continue to remain affected until the demolition work is completed and tracks are cleared for smooth operations.

For Mumbai’s daily commuters, the disruption once again highlighted the fragile balance of the city’s transport network, where even planned infrastructure work can bring routine life to a standstill.

Mumbai, April 4: In a significant ruling on commuter safety, the Bombay High Court has held that standing near the door of a Mumbai local train cannot be treated as negligence, given the realities of overcrowding, and termed a man’s death after falling from a moving train as an “untoward incident” entitling his family to compensation.

High Court overturns tribunal decision

Justice Jitendra Jain, on April 2, allowed an appeal filed by Ashrappa Yellappa Bhandari and Satyamma Ashrappa Bhandari, challenging the Railway Claims Tribunal’s 2019 decision that had denied them compensation for the death of their kin, Balkrishna Bhandari.

Bhandari, a salesman, died on January 29, 2012, while travelling from Kalyan to Dombivli. He fell from a moving train between Thakurli and Dombivli stations. His family’s claim was rejected by the Tribunal on the ground that the incident did not qualify as an “untoward incident” under the Railways Act, 1989.

Court notes inconsistencies in official reports

The High Court, however, found inconsistencies in official reports. While some reports suggested that Bhandari was standing at the edge of the platform and was knocked down by a train, others stated that he fell from a moving train. Noting that there was no eyewitness to the incident, the court said it could not rely conclusively on any one version.

“I fail to understand how these authorities gave contradictory reports, moreso, when there is no eyewitness to the incident,” Justice Jain observed.

Benefit of doubt must favour victim

The court held that in cases involving welfare legislation and conflicting evidence, the benefit of doubt must go to the victim. “This Court has no option but to accept that the deceased died by falling down from a moving train, which constitutes ‘untoward incident’,” the judge said.

Ground realities of Mumbai local trains highlighted

Significantly, the court underscored the ground realities of Mumbai’s suburban rail network. “In Mumbai local, seldom are the seats vacant… even at starting point, people have to jump to occupy seat. Therefore, standing near the door cannot be treated as negligence,” the order noted.

Even if the version that Bhandari was standing near the platform edge were accepted, the court said, the incident would still qualify for compensation.

Safety concerns and need for civic awareness

The court also flagged safety gaps at railway platforms, pointing out that the yellow safety line is often faded and lacks clear communication of its purpose.

It suggested regular repainting and even the use of red markings to indicate danger zones. Authorities should also ensure announcements and enforcement to keep passengers behind safety lines, it said.

Calling for behavioural change, the court remarked, “There is a need to inculcate civic sense amongst ourselves like civic sense amongst Japanese people.”

Compensation awarded to family

Allowing the appeal, the court directed the Railways to pay compensation of Rs 4 lakh with 6% annual interest from the date of the accident, subject to a cap of Rs 8 lakh, to be equally shared by the two claimants within 12 weeks.