Bystander's Eye Severely Injured by Stray Stone in Mumbai Local Train Altercation
A 28-year-old commuter sustained a serious eye injury after a stone thrown during a heated argument between two passengers inside a Mumbai local train struck him at Bandra railway station on Wednesday night, according to the Government Railway Police (GRP). The incident highlights the dangers of escalating conflicts in the city's overcrowded rail network.
Accused Arrested After CCTV Footage Analysis
The accused, identified as Yogendra Boddha, a 26-year-old laborer from Vasai, was arrested by the Bandra GRP on Thursday morning. Police stated that Boddha aimed the stone at another commuter during an argument but missed, instead hitting the victim, Nishant Khatri, who was traveling in the same compartment. Based on CCTV footage from Bandra and Dadar stations, authorities traced and apprehended Boddha at Dadar railway station.
Details of the Traumatic Incident
The incident occurred around 11 pm when Khatri was returning home from work. He had boarded an Andheri-Churchgate fast local from Andheri station at approximately 10:40 pm after leaving his office in Sakinaka. During the journey, an argument erupted between two commuters inside the compartment. When the train halted at Bandra station, one of the men allegedly jumped onto the east side of the tracks, picked up stones, and began hurling them into the compartment.
Senior Inspector Shahji Nikam of the Bandra GRP provided a detailed account: "The first stone missed the target and hit the train. He then picked up another stone and flung it inside the compartment. It again missed the intended person and struck Khatri below his left eye. He was sitting on the third seat on the right side."
Medical Treatment and Police Response
Khatri immediately alighted from the train and approached GRP personnel on the platform. Police rushed him to Bhabha Hospital in a 108 ambulance parked outside the station before he was shifted to Hinduja Hospital for specialized treatment. "His left eye's small part of retina got rupture. The doctors are trying their best to save his eye," Inspector Nikam stated, emphasizing the severity of the injury.
Legal Action and Broader Context
A case has been registered against Boddha under Section 118(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Police noted that while arguments and fights between commuters in local trains are common due to overcrowding, such extreme acts of violence are concerning. "People generally do not go to such an extent to take revenge by damaging someone permanently. Last month, a lecturer was stabbed to death following a fight over getting off the train at Malad station, and here a commuter damaged another's eye," a GRP officer remarked.
The investigation is ongoing, with further statements being recorded to ensure justice in this distressing case.
