Fed-up with freeloaders enjoying the comforts of Mumbai’s AC local trains without paying a rupee, genuine commuters have taken matters into their own hands — by spamming Central Railway (CR) inboxes with complaint mails and photos of defaulters in a form of demonstration they refer to as a ‘Digital Dharna’.

Angry passengers say that in the absence of ticket checking, AC locals — meant to be a premium, hassle-free ride — are being used by random people. “Anyone can travel freely without hesitation. Beggars, hawkers, and ticketless travellers are openly boarding AC trains, while even railway staff without valid green passes sneak in. Why should paying passengers be made to feel like fools?” said commuter Mukesh Makhija, who is spearheading the campaign.