According to police, the accused, identified as 30-year-old Roshan Suvarna, a resident of Mira-Bhayander who works in barcode making for an organisation, was arrested from Panvel after investigators reviewed footage from nearly 400 CCTV cameras and deployed seven dedicated teams. Officials confirmed that Suvarna had no known criminal record. Investigators are also examining whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Police further stated that he had been involved in an earlier altercation with an autorickshaw driver on the same day.
The victim, identified as Mayank Lohar, a resident of Virar, boarded the Churchgate–Nalasopara suburban local train from Andheri station at approximately 10:42 pm on Tuesday night. Police said both men were standing near a coach door that had been shut due to heavy rain. Suvarna allegedly opened the door, allowing rainwater to enter the compartment and splash passengers. Lohar then closed the door again, which led to an argument between the two.
The confrontation escalated into a scuffle, after which fellow passengers intervened and separated them. Some commuters reportedly confronted Suvarna during the altercation, after which investigators believe he felt humiliated and blamed Lohar for the incident.
Police allege that while the train was travelling between Goregaon and Malad stations, Suvarna took out a knife from his bag and repeatedly stabbed Lohar in the chest and abdomen. The victim collapsed inside the crowded coach as passengers watched in shock.
A commuter-recorded video reportedly showed the accused holding the knife and threatening passengers after the attack. As the train approached Borivali station, Suvarna allegedly jumped off and fled the scene. Lohar was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead around midnight.
Following the killing, the Borivali Government Railway Police launched an intensive investigation and formed seven teams. Officials tracked the accused’s movements using CCTV footage from railway stations and surrounding areas. Police said Suvarna was seen taking an autorickshaw toward his residence after leaving Borivali. He allegedly returned home after the incident without disclosing details and was later traced to Panvel, where he was apprehended. Investigators also believe he was planning to flee to his hometown in Karnataka.
The weapon used in the attack has not yet been recovered. During questioning, Suvarna allegedly told police that he had purchased the knife online for a friend.
The incident has intensified concerns among daily commuters regarding safety and security on Mumbai’s suburban railway network. Passenger groups have questioned how a weapon was brought onto a crowded train and have demanded stricter baggage screening and enhanced surveillance. Railway officials stated that implementing metro-like security checks remains difficult due to the extremely high passenger volume and the open access nature of suburban stations.
This marks the second fatal stabbing reported on Mumbai’s suburban railway network this year, further raising concerns over escalating violence in one of the world’s busiest commuter rail systems.
About The Author
Comment List