Select the phrase/connector from the given three options which can be used to form a single sentence from the two sentences given below, implying the same meaning expressed in the statement sentences.

• I Over 27 lakh people were caught travelling on trains ticketless in the last fiscal, an RTI query has revealed.   I
• I Severe restrictions on entry at railway stations without confirmed tickets in view of the coronavirus pandemic      a) Until 27 lakh people were caught travelling..   b) Despite severe restrictions on entry…   c) If severe restrictions on entry at railway