GRP Deploys Guard at Borivli Lock-Up for Train Murder Suspect
The Govt Railway Police (GRP) has taken the significant step of posting a dedicated guard at the Borivli general lock-up to monitor Omkar Shinde, the 27-year-old man arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a college teacher inside a local train last week. This move underscores the sensitive and high-profile nature of the case, with investigators emphasizing that they are implementing additional precautions to ensure security and proper handling. Shinde is scheduled to be produced before a magistrate court in Borivli on Friday, marking a critical juncture in the legal proceedings.
Details of the Tragic Incident Unfold
The incident occurred last Saturday when Shinde engaged in a heated argument with Alok Kumar Singh, a teacher at Narsee Monjee College in Vile Parle, over alighting from a local train at Malad station. According to police reports, the altercation escalated rapidly, leading Shinde to allegedly stab Singh in the abdomen using a small pair of tongs that he was carrying in his pocket. Shinde has claimed that he acted in response to being shoved and having his hair pulled by someone in the compartment, though these assertions are under investigation as part of the broader case.
Arrest and Investigation Insights
Shinde was arrested on Sunday morning at an auto stand located outside Malad railway station, following a meticulous investigation by the GRP. Police revealed that until his apprehension, Shinde was completely unaware of Singh’s death, as he had not watched television news or checked social media updates. A GRP officer noted, "Had he known that we were looking for him, he could have slipped out of Mumbai," highlighting the element of surprise that aided in his capture. Investigators had been tracking Shinde’s movements for five days prior to the arrest through surveillance camera footage, observing his routine of taking the 7.18 am local train to his workplace in south Mumbai from Malad station and returning via the 4.16 pm local.
On the day of the arrest, which was Shinde’s weekly off, there was uncertainty about whether he would follow his usual pattern. However, he appeared at the auto stand at 7.40 am, slightly later than his typical schedule, where he was promptly apprehended by authorities. The murder weapon, identified as the small pair of tongs, was later recovered from a bridge at Malad station, where Shinde had discarded it after committing the crime, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
