Unknown to them, lives of thousands of commuters travelling in a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Belapur train was at stake on the night of April 13. The motorman, R Meena, was attacked by an unknown person who threw a packet of masala powder on him at Govandi station. It was around 10.30pm that day when the train was leaving Govandi station. Sources said that when Meena started the train, a person standing on the ground next to the tracks threw an open packet of paneer butter masala inside the motor cab. “As the train took speed, due to the breeze the powder sprinkled out and flew into the eyes of the motorman,” said an officer from Central Railway. He immediately applied brakes as the masala caused irritation in his eyes. The CR official said that the train halted for 5-7 minutes and an announcement was made at the station. Later, only after washing his eyes, he took the train ahead. The RPF is investigating the case. Senior RPF officers said that they have got the masala packet thrown inside the motor cab. They are also checking CCTV images and have rounded up a few junkies who are found at the station premises. This is the second such incident in the last few days. Previously, one such attack on a motorman happened near Thane. Due to such acts, motormen have now begun shutting doors of their cab.. In a similar incident in February this year, a railway motorman, Laxman Singh was piloting the CSMT - Titwala down local train, drove 18 kilometres carrying more than 2000 commuters despite being attacked with chilli powder to avoid inordinate delay. Singh was felicitated for this feat by the Central Railway DRM with an appreciation certificate and a cash reward of Rs 1000. MINDLESS ACT At 10.30pm when the train was leaving Govandi station, a person standing on the ground next to the tracks threw an open packet of masala inside the motor cab. The motorman immediately applied brakes as the masala caused irritation in his eyes

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