Mumbai: Stone pelting incidents on Mumbai’s suburban railway network have escalated into a serious and persistent safety concern, threatening the lives of thousands of daily commuters. Despite various safety measures by Indian Railways—including the installation of iron grills on train windows—the problem continues unabated, with a new, more disturbing trend emerging: passengers, especially those standing near train doors, are becoming direct targets.

In the past few weeks alone, three women sustained serious injuries in separate stone pelting incidents on the Harbour Line, underlining the urgency of the issue. These acts, once dismissed as mischief, are now being recognized as manifestations of deeper social, psychological, and infrastructural problems.

On September 26, 28-year-old Shivani was injured on the head when a stone struck her on a CSMT–Goregaon slow local train near Reay Road station at 7:15 pm. Just days earlier, on September 18, 39-year-old Anuradha Sav suffered an eye injury near Wadala, and on September 15, 21-year-old Harshada Pawar was hit in the face near Cotton Green–Reay Road section while travelling on the footboard.

These incidents are not isolated. According to officials from Central Railway, nearly 30 stone-pelting cases are reported every year across the Mumbai division of Central Railway. However, comparatively fewer cases — around 10 to 12 — are reported on the Western Railway’s Mumbai Central division each year

On the Western Railway, most of the incidents are reported in areas like Mahim, Bandra, Kandivali, and beyond Virar. On the other hand, most of the cases on the Central Railway occur on the Harbour Line, particularly between Dockyard Road and Mankhurd. Additionally, on the Main Line, areas like Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva, and beyond Kalyan record a higher number of stone-pelting cases.

In most cases, the individuals who throw stones at trains are children. In nearly 30 per cent of the cases, those involved are either substance abusers, mentally unstable, or suffer from psychological disorders. Recently, Central Railwayth arrested Naushad Ali Abdul Wahid Sheikh, a footpath dweller from Mohammed Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar, who has confessed to being involved in four such incidents. According to Central Railway officials, Naushad Ali Abdul Wahid Sheikh appears to be mentally unstable.

The motivations behind these acts are as complex as they are troubling. According to a senior Railway Protection Force (RPF) official, many perpetrators are children and teenagers from nearby slum areas. “For many children, this is a game or a dare,” said the official. “The thrill of hitting a moving train or watching someone duck can feel exciting to them. But they do not realise the damage they can cause.”

Dr. Harish Shetty, a noted psychiatrist, concurs: “It’s a form of vicarious pleasure for bored children. But at a deeper level, it may be an unconscious rebellion—a symbolic strike against something they see as part of a privileged world they do not belong to.”

The problem, experts say, is not just delinquency—it’s a reflection of boredom, marginalization, and lack of structured engagement for children in these communities.

AK Singh, former Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Central & Western Railways, emphasized that real change will not come through punishment alone. “These are not just mischievous acts; they are symptoms of social neglect. We need to engage with these communities empathetically—through education, sports, arts, and trust-building. When children throw stones at trains, it’s not just mischief — it’s a cry for attention from those society has left behind. “

During my tenure with Central and Western Railways, our focus was on corrective rather than punitive measures,” Singh explained. “We implemented educational and awareness drives to help children understand the dangers and consequences of their actions. Community-based sports and arts programs were introduced to provide positive outlets for their energy. Additionally, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), in collaboration with NGOs and local schools, worked to build trust and meaningful connections within these communities”

PC Sinha, former Chief Security Commissioner of Western Railway, noted that in some cases, stone pelting is also a form of anti-establishment sentiment: “Trains become a symbol of authority. For some, it’s a way to express anger towards a system that’s failed them.”

To counter the rising menace, the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police (GRP), and local police have intensified efforts. Regular patrolling has been stepped up, and standalone surveillance cameras with live feeds have been installed at vulnerable spots.

K.K. Ashraf (currently serving as Chief Vigilance Officer of Kochi Metro on deputation), former Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Central Railway (Mumbai Division), spoke about his team’s multi-pronged approach: “Installing surveillance cameras completely eliminated stone-pelting at some high-risk spots. But tech isn’t enough. We launched ‘Operation Dignity’ to rehabilitate vulnerable people around the tracks—those suffering from grief, addiction, or unemployment—who might otherwise resort to antisocial behaviour” He recalled a case where a man, devastated after losing his son in a railway accident, began throwing stones out of grief and anger.

These incidents have left commuters, especially women, shaken. Manasi Jana, a Tilaknagar resident and Harbour Line commuter, expressed her fear: “Every time I stand near the door, I worry a stone might hit me. It’s terrifying.” Ashwini Nahar, a regular commuter from Chunabhatti, urged stronger police action in slum areas near the tracks: “We need more than patrolling. People need to understand that this isn’t a prank—it’s a crime.” A Multi-Dimensional Problem Needs a Multi-Pronged Solution

Stone pelting on Mumbai’s local trains is not just a law-and-order issue—it is a public safety hazard, a social issue, and a psychological cry for attention. “Addressing it requires coordinated action between the railways, police, local communities, NGOs, and mental health professionals. Only by combining enforcement with empathy, education, and engagement can Mumbai hope to put an end to this dangerous trend—and make its lifeline trains safer for the millions who depend on them every day,” said a senior railway official.

“The Government Railway Police (GRP), city police, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), along with civil society organizations, need to adopt a more preventive and community-driven approach. This includes frequent awareness campaigns in slum communities, regular meetings with local leaders and residents, educational programs in nearby schools, community engagement through sports and arts, and the installation of surveillance systems” official further added.

Mumbai: A fatal road accident near the Plaza bus stop in Dadar late Sunday night claimed the life of one man and left four others injured after a speeding Tempo Traveller lost control and collided with a wet-leased BEST bus from the right side.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm and involved a Mateshwari Wet Lease bus operating under BEST’s Pratiksha Nagar depot on Route 169.

According to preliminary reports, the bus (MH01DR4654) was returning to the Pratiksha Nagar depot from Worli when the accident took place. As it approached the Plaza bus stop, a Tempo Traveller reportedly lost control while heading from the Dadar TT side toward Shivaji Park and crashed into the front right side of the bus.

The impact caused the bus to veer sharply left, mounting the pavement and striking several people who were either waiting at the bus stop or walking nearby. One pedestrian, identified as 37-year-old Shahabuddin, died on the spot. He was declared dead before arrival at Sion Hospital.

Four others were injured in the crash — Rahul Ashok Padale (30), Rohit Ashok Padale (33), Akshay Ashok Padale (25), and Vidya Rahul Mote (28). They were rushed to Sion Hospital with the assistance of the bus conductor and local police personnel present at the scene.

In the ensuing chaos, the Tempo Traveller also rammed into a taxi and a tourist car, both of which sustained significant damage. The bus itself suffered a burst front right tyre and a shattered windshield.

Officers from Shivaji Park Police Station responded promptly, securing the site and launching an investigation. The damaged bus was later towed to BEST’s Wadala depot for further inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

An official inquiry is currently underway to determine the exact cause and culpability in the incident.

New Delhi, Oct 6: Parliamentarian and Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi on Monday congratulated the Indian women cricket team for defeating Pakistani rivals in the ODI world cup match last evening and also dropped an Operation Sindoor reference to the Women in Blue’s astounding victory.

Singhvi’s Operation Sindoor analogy to India-Pakistan clash in the women’s WC ODI match is set to ruffle feathers within his own party as the latter has been vociferously opposing against playing with Pakistan and also maintaining any sporting ties with it.

Rajya Sabha MP took to X this morning and wrote, “Realised watching Women’s #CWC25 match: be it Op Sindoor, Asia Cup, or Women’s CWC25… Pakistan keeps perfecting one art: drama off the field, disaster on it.”

He also advised Pakistan to engage less in rhetoric and chest-thumping and rather focus on the game.

“When India plays, they talk war; when India wins, they talk excuses. Moral: Less chest-thumping, more cricket please!,” he wrote.

In yesterday’s Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Colombo, India clinched victory over Pakistan by a huge margin of 88 runs. The Women in Blue had set a target of 248 which the Pakistani side failed to score and was defeated by 88 runs.

Also, what caught the camera’s attention was Indian women cricketers refusing to shake hands with Pakistani counterpart in yesterday’s match at R. Premadasa Stadium. Earlier, Men in Blue did the same during Asia Cup tournament.

Singhvi’s reference of Operation Sindoor is set to add insult to injury as it makes it hard for the grand old party to stand ground on its strong opposition to India-Pak sporting ties.

Earlier, the Congress brass got riled up after PM Modi drew a comparison between the Asia Cup match and India’s military action – Operation Sindoor inside Pakistan and accused the BJP as well as Prime Minister of belittling the Indian armed forces.

Abhishek Singhvi had praised Team India, even after the Men in Blue lifted the Asia Cup by defeating Pakistan.

“When sports meet symbolism! Our champions didn’t just lift the Asia Cup, they lifted the nation’s pride. And when the ACC chief tried running away with the trophy, Indian players responded with emojis, not egos. Grace wins matches, class wins hearts,” he had said.