A 19-year-old BSc first-year student from Kalyan died by suicide on Tuesday after he was allegedly harassed and assaulted in a crowded suburban train for speaking in Hindi instead of Marathi. The student, Arnav Khaire, was a first-year BSc learner at Kelkar College in Mulund. His father, Jitendra Khaire, has filed a written complaint at Kolsewadi police station, seeking action against those who allegedly tormented his son and “pushed him” towards the extreme step. Police have begun an investigation.
Student allegedly assaulted in crowded local train
According to the complaint, Arnav’s first-class season pass had expired. On Tuesday morning, he purchased a second-class ticket at Kalyan railway station and boarded the general compartment of an Ambernath–Kalyan local — a routine trip he took to attend college.
Due to the heavy crowding, Arnav accidentally brushed against another commuter. When he requested the person to move slightly ahead and said it in Hindi, a few fellow passengers reportedly objected to his choice of language.
In the complaint based on Arnav’s phone call to his father, Jitendra wrote, “Some men asked why he wasn’t speaking Marathi and questioned whether he was ashamed of his own language.” Arnav reportedly told them he was Marathi, but the disagreement escalated.
The father alleged that the men abused and assaulted his son. Arnav also told him that the attackers tore his mask and left him deeply frightened. Shaken by the confrontation, he got off at Thane station, boarded another train, and continued to Mulund for his practical exam.
Boy remained distressed throughout the day
After finishing his exam, Arnav called his father, saying he felt unwell. Later in the afternoon, after reaching home, he narrated the entire ordeal. His father assured him that a police complaint would be filed.
However, by the time Jitendra Khaire returned home in the evening, the door was locked from inside. With help from neighbours, he broke it open and found his son unresponsive. Arnav was rushed to Rukminibai Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at 9.05 pm.
The father told reporters that the fear and mental distress from the incident had overwhelmed the boy. “The fear and mental stress caused by this incident pushed him towards suicide. I want a full investigation and justice for my son,” he said.
Police initiate probe into allegations
Kolsewadi police have registered a complaint and begun verifying the father’s statements, including the details Arnav shared over the phone. Authorities are examining CCTV footage, train timings, and possible eyewitnesses.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Kalyanji Ghete confirmed the probe. “We have formed a team that is investigating the case,” he said. The inquiry will determine whether the alleged assault occurred and whether factors such as harassment or intimidation contributed to the distress experienced by the student.
Conclusion
The incident has triggered concern over safety and civility in Mumbai’s suburban train network, especially the treatment of young commuters in crowded carriages. As the investigation progresses, Arnav’s family is seeking accountability and clarity on the sequence of events that preceded his death.