Disabled Commuter Pushed to Death from Moving Local Train Near Bandra Creek

A 63-year-old disabled commuter died on Thursday after being pushed off a moving local train near Bandra creek by an able-bodied passenger during an argument over a seat reserved for persons with disabilities.

Government Railway Police (GRP) officials arrested the accused, identified as 48-year-old Amjad Shaikh, following the incident.

The victim, Cajetan Pires, was an unmarried resident of Santacruz who used crutches after losing a leg in a work-related accident around twenty years ago while employed as a plumber. On Thursday, Pires boarded the handicapped coach of a Borivli-bound slow local train at Mahim station to travel home to Santacruz.

According to police, Shaikh was occupying a seat inside the reserved compartment when Pires boarded. Pires asked Shaikh to vacate the seat, pointing out that the accommodation was specifically reserved for disabled passengers. The request led to a heated argument between the two men.

During the altercation, Shaikh shoved Pires out of the moving train. Pires fell onto the railway tracks near Bandra creek and sustained severe head injuries, which proved fatal.

Other passengers travelling in the compartment immediately intervened, catching hold of Shaikh to prevent him from fleeing. A commuter on board pulled the alarm chain to stop the train, allowing railway authorities and police to take custody of the accused.

Police officials noted that frequent disputes have arisen over able-bodied passengers illegally occupying spaces in coaches reserved for the handicapped. According to authorities, this marks the third incident this year in which a commuter has been killed by a fellow passenger following an altercation related to local train travel.