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Mumbai: Ashish Pande, a ticket collector (TC) working for Western Railway, allegedly made inflammatory and discriminatory comments targeting the Marathi and Muslim communities. Pande, who is originally from Uttar Pradesh but resides in Vikhroli, Mumbai, reportedly stated that he would “not support businesses owned by Marathi or Muslim individuals, nor would he use auto-rickshaws driven by them.”
This comment made by the TC came to attention on September 22 when an audio clip of the alleged remarks was posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) at 5:33 PM. The post, made by a user, quickly went viral, garnering over 790,000 views and over 6,500 likes within five hours.
What Did He Say?
In the audio clip, Pande can be heard saying, “I don’t give business to Muslims and Maharashtrians. I don’t sit in autos of Muslims and Maharashtrians.” These remarks have added to the ongoing debate around the relationship between migrant workers and local communities in Maharashtra, especially at a time when regional identity is a sensitive issue.
Look At The Video
'I don't give business to Muslims & Maharasthrians. I don't sit in autos of Muslims & Maharashtrians.'- Ashish Pandey, TC in Western Railway who lives in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/a1RRIZXgwM
— Cow Momma (@Cow__Momma) September 22, 2024
Western Railway Takes Swift Action
Western Railway acted after the audio clip gained attention. A spokesperson from the railway authority issued a statement on X, saying, “We take this matter very seriously. The staff member making such adverse comments about religious communities and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry. A detailed investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability, and appropriate actions will be determined based on the findings to uphold our standards and ensure the integrity of our services.”
We take this matter very seriously. The staff commenting adversely about the religious community and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry. A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability. Appropriate actions will be determined…
— DRM – Mumbai Central, WR (@drmbct) September 22, 2024
Public Reaction
Social activists have also weighed in on the issue. “At a time when regional identity and social harmony are becoming increasingly crucial in Maharashtra, Pande’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the relationship between migrants and locals in the state,” said a local social activist.