A train ticket examiner (TTE) has been suspended after an audio clip surfaced online in which he can be heard makes derogatory remarks about the Muslim and Maharashtrian communities. The 49-second clip features Ashish Pandey saying that he avoids interacting with Muslims and Maharashtrians, claiming, “I do not deal with Muslims and Marathi people. I don’t wish to give them any profit.”

He further said that he avoids taxis driven by Marathi or Muslim drivers, preferring only those from Uttar Pradesh.

After clip went viral, Western Railway took swift action by suspending the TTE and launched an investigation.

Western Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager, Neeraj Verma, took to X, stating, “We take this matter very seriously. The staff member making inappropriate comments about a religious community and Maharashtrians has been suspended pending an inquiry. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate action will follow based on the findings to uphold our standards and ensure the integrity of our services.”

The audio, posted on X on September 22, sparked widespread outrage online. Various groups condemned Pandey’s statements, including members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray. MNS activists confronted Pandey, issuing stern warnings and compelling him to apologise for his offensive remarks about both communities.

According to reports, the TTE was engaged in a conversation with a broker regarding a failed real estate deal. Pandey wanted to withdraw from the deal. The conversation was recorded by the broker, who intended to teach Pandey a lesson, as per a report in The Times of India.