Mumbai Local Train Murder: Borivali Court Sends Accused Roshan Suvarna to Police Custody Till June 30
The investigation into the shocking murder of a passenger aboard a Mumbai local train gathered pace on Thursday after a Borivali court remanded the accused, Roshan Ramesh Suvarna, to police custody until June 30.
The Borivali Railway Police had sought seven days of custody to continue their investigation into the fatal stabbing that took place on a Churchgate–Nalasopara fast local train. However, the court granted five days of police custody.
During the hearing, police argued that the attack was carried out with the intention to kill and said custodial interrogation was necessary to gather further evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the crime.
The defence, meanwhile, presented a different version of events. Advocate Surendra Landge, appearing for the accused, argued that Suvarna had allegedly been assaulted by fellow passengers before the stabbing occurred and claimed the knife was pulled out only after the confrontation escalated.
Suvarna, 30, was arrested from Panvel a day after the incident that claimed the life of Mayank Lohar and sent shockwaves across Mumbai's suburban railway network.
According to investigators, Suvarna worked with a cargo handling company near Mumbai airport alongside his father and brother. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to the crime and provided details of his movements after the incident as police tracked his escape route.
Police said Suvarna had consumed a full bottle of rum after work on Tuesday evening. Due to heavy rainfall and traffic congestion, he reportedly abandoned plans to take a cab from Andheri East and instead boarded a first-class compartment of a Churchgate–Nalasopara fast local train from Andheri station.
Investigators believe the tragedy unfolded after an argument broke out between Suvarna and Mayank Lohar over whether the train door should remain open or closed during the rain while the train was travelling between Andheri and Borivali.
As the dispute intensified, Suvarna allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Lohar in the stomach. The victim later succumbed to his injuries, triggering widespread outrage and renewed concerns about passenger safety on Mumbai's lifeline.
Police said the accused fled immediately after the attack, getting off at Borivali station and escaping through the crowded platform area. Investigators claim he then travelled to Mira Road by autorickshaw, reached his residence, took a bath, packed his belongings and began planning to leave the city.
