Accessibility norms violated? 'Cops flout special coach rules'

Despite clear directives from the Bombay High Court prohibiting police personnel from travelling in railway compartments reserved for disabled passengers, the practice allegedly continues in local trains.

- Megha Kuchik

Police personnel frequently travel in these coaches and sometimes escort suspects, raising concerns among activists about safety and accessibility.

Nitin Gaikwad, the president of Nirdhar Viklang Vikas Samajik Sangh, who has 50% disability, has alleged that two police personnel, one morning in December, were seen travelling in the compartment for disabled persons in a fast local train at Dadar railway station along with a handcuffed suspect. Gaikwad said the cops alighted at Andheri railway station.

Gaikwad, who has been working for the safety and rights of disabled commuters for about 12 years, said he filmed the incident. The personnel then claimed to be from the Mumbai police.