Technocrat’ Magazine
On November 18, 2025, Arnav Jitendra Khaire, a 19-year-old first-year BSc student at V.G. Vaze-Kelkar College in Mulund, Mumbai, died by suicide at his home in Kalyan East, Thane district. His family alleges the incident stemmed from severe mental distress caused by harassment and physical assault by 4-5 fellow commuters on a crowded Mumbai local train earlier that day, over a language dispute involving Hindi and Marathi.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting rising language-based tensions in Maharashtra and concerns over commuter safety on local trains.
What Happened: Timeline of Events
- Morning Commute (Around 8:40 AM): Arnav boarded an Ambernath-Kalyan local train from Kalyan station, heading to college. His first-class season pass had expired, so he traveled in the general second-class compartment, which was overcrowded. During the journey, between Dombivli and Thane stations, Arnav accidentally brushed against another passenger while trying to move forward in the packed coach. He reportedly made a polite request in Hindi: “Thoda aage badho” (Please move forward a bit).
- The Altercation: The passenger and 3-4 others confronted Arnav aggressively, questioning why he wasn’t speaking Marathi and accusing him of being “ashamed” of the local language. Despite Arnav clarifying that he was Marathi himself and speaking in Hindi out of habit, the group allegedly assaulted him—slapping him, tearing off his face mask, and verbally abusing him. The beating left him shaken and injured.
- Immediate Aftermath: Traumatized, Arnav alighted at Thane station instead of continuing to Mulund. He boarded another local train to reach college but skipped classes and returned home early. He called his father, Jitendra Khaire, around midday, sobbing: “Papa, I am not feeling well… They beat me for speaking Hindi.” Jitendra, who works as a security guard, rushed home but found Arnav too distressed to elaborate fully at the time.
- Evening Tragedy (Around 7:30 PM): With family members briefly out, Arnav hanged himself in his room at Sahjeevan Residency, Kalyan East. Jitendra returned, broke open the locked door with neighbors’ help, and discovered his son’s body. Arnav left no suicide note, but his phone (now seized by police) reportedly contains messages detailing the trauma.
Family’s Account and Demands
Jitendra Khaire told police and media: “The fear and mental stress caused by this incident pushed him towards suicide. He was a bright, quiet boy who loved studies—how could this happen over something as small as language?” Arnav, the eldest of two brothers, was described as an “ideal student” with no prior mental health issues.
The family, originally from a Marathi background but comfortable in Hindi due to mixed influences, has demanded a thorough investigation, including CCTV footage from the train and station, and justice against the assailants.
Locals in Kalyan have rallied in support, calling for stricter anti-harassment measures on trains.
Police Investigation
- Kolsewadi Police Station: An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered under Section 174 of the CrPC. A separate FIR for assault (under IPC Sections 323 for voluntarily causing hurt, 504 for intentional insult, and possibly 506 for criminal intimidation) is expected once identities are confirmed.
- Railway Involvement: Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) Mumbai Division are reviewing CCTV from the Ambernath-Thane stretch. Eyewitness statements are being collected, and Arnav’s phone records are under forensic analysis for any communications post-incident.
- Status: As of November 21, 2025, no arrests have been made, but police have assured a “full probe” amid public pressure. RPF has issued a statement confirming the incident details and ongoing inquiries.
Broader Context and Reactions
This tragedy has reignited debates on linguistic chauvinism in Mumbai, a cosmopolitan city with diverse commuters. Similar incidents—such as verbal abuse over “not speaking Marathi” on trains—have been reported sporadically, often linked to regional pride amid political campaigns. Social media erupted with tributes to Arnav under #JusticeForArnavKhaire, with users sharing videos and photos of the family protesting.
Prominent voices, including journalists and activists, have condemned the assault as “mob violence” and called for sensitivity training for commuters and better enforcement on locals, which carry over 7 million passengers daily.Arnav’s story underscores the invisible scars of public harassment. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to helplines like India’s National Suicide Prevention Helpline (9152987821) or iCall (022-25521111).
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