Mumbai RPF Officer Honoured for Busting IRCTC E-Ticket Touting Syndicate

Gopalkrishna Rai, a Sub-Inspector from the Mumbai Division of Central Railway, was awarded the prestigious Railway Minister’s Medal for Best Investigation for his outstanding role in busting a major e-ticket touting syndicate, officials said on Monday. The award was presented by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a ceremony held in Valsad, Gujarat.

Rai, who is posted at the IT Cell, Wadi Bunder in Mumbai, led a detailed investigation into a gang using NEXUS software to book IRCTC e-tickets illegally. His efforts resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals, including one super seller, two sellers, and thirteen users. The crime was initially registered at Bhiwandi Road, as stated in an official statement.

Using advanced tools such as PRABAL Data, Rai retrieved data on 23 suspicious bank accounts and conducted deep financial analysis. His team discovered 234 e-tickets already used, which were worth Rs 4,85,544, 94 active or upcoming journey tickets worth Rs 2,20,397, the use of 5 IRCTC agent IDs, 684 personal user IDs, and 193 suspected tout leads circulated across various railway zones.

The successful crackdown dealt a major blow to the illegal railway ticketing network in Mumbai and highlighted the growing misuse of digital platforms in ticket frauds, the statement said. The Railway Ministry praised Rai's technical expertise, sharp investigation skills, and commitment to protecting passenger interests.

This recognition underscores the importance of vigilant and technologically adept law enforcement in safeguarding the integrity of the railway system. Rai's efforts not only helped in apprehending the criminals but also set a precedent for future investigations into similar crimes.

The Central Railway, a crucial part of the Indian Railways, operates in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Gujarat. It is known for its extensive network and the challenges it faces in maintaining smooth operations and ensuring passenger safety. Rai's work is a testament to the dedication of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in maintaining the security and reliability of the railway system.