Bandra GRP Remands Man for Pushing Disabled Passenger from Moving Local Train

The railway magistrate court at Central Matunga on Friday remanded 48-year-old Amajad Safriddin Shaikh in police custody until August 27 in connection with the death of a passenger who was allegedly pushed from a moving local train, following an investigation led by the Bandra Government Railway Police (GRP).

The victim was identified as 62-year-old Cajetan Denis Peris, also known as Paul. According to police investigations, Peris worked odd jobs, including at a paan stall, and was not a pavement dweller.

Senior Police Inspector Shahaji Nikam of the Bandra GRP station stated that an eyewitness account had been recorded. The accused boarded the local train at Lower Parel station at 1:07 pm, while Peris boarded at Mahim. Inside the train, Peris questioned Shaikh about occupying a seat reserved for persons with disabilities. The argument escalated into a scuffle near the train door, during which both men grabbed each other's shirts, and Shaikh allegedly pushed Peris out of the moving train.

Peris had lost his left leg from the knee several years ago due to gangrene and used a walking stick to move around. His younger sister, Maria, said he was determined despite his physical challenges and had been hoping to undergo surgery on his leg.

Maria alleged that the accused deliberately pushed her brother towards the creek. Peris's niece, Ria, stated that the family received a call from the police informing them that her uncle was unconscious with severe head injuries. Demanding strict punishment, the family noted that Shaikh's release would pose a danger to others.

During the probe, Shaikh claimed to police that he was an orphan suffering from mental health issues, though the victim's family rejected the claim as an attempt to gain sympathy.

A post-mortem examination was conducted at Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle West. The victim's funeral is scheduled to be held at 3 pm on Saturday at Golibar Nagar in Santacruz East.