Mumbai's local trains are a lifeline for millions. But how safe is the daily commute for women?
A disturbing incident at Naigaon railway station in Maharashtra's Palghar district has raised fresh questions about women's safety on public transport.
A 20-year-old woman suffered life-changing injuries following an alleged assault during her journey.
Police have since arrested a 53-year-old suspect, with CCTV footage helping investigators track him down.
What happened that day? How did the police investigate the case? And what does it mean for women's safety on Mumbai's local trains?
Here's what you need to know.
What Happened Inside The Mumbai Local?
On 4 November 2026, the woman was travelling from Borivali to Virar when she mistakenly boarded the compartment reserved for persons with disabilities.
A 53-year-old passenger, identified as Jitendra Hirmukhe, allegedly touched her inappropriately. When she confronted him and threw her slipper at him, he allegedly pushed her off the train at Naigaon station.
She fell in the gap between two coaches as the train began moving. She suffered severe injuries, leading to the amputation of her left arm below the elbow. She also required 16 stitches for a head injury.
She was first taken to a hospital in Vasai and later shifted to Cooper Hospital in Mumbai.
What The CCTV Footage Shows
CCTV footage shows Jitendra Girjappa Hirmukhe wearing a red shirt and walking along Naigaon station's platform after the alleged assault.
Hirmukhe was identified as a resident of Wakipada in Naigaon East.
In the CCTV footage, other people can be seen on the platform as he walks past them. He then moves out of the camera's view, reappears and continues walking away from the spot.
The Bhayandar GRP and RPF formed a joint team and arrested him on 9 November, five days after the incident.
A GRP officer told Hindustan Times that the cloth covering his face initially made identification difficult.
What Charges Has The Accused Been Booked Under?
The GRP initially registered a case under Sections 74 and 117(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 74 deals with assault or criminal force against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty, while Section 117(2) covers voluntarily causing grievous hurt under specified circumstances.
Police later added Section 109, which deals with attempt to murder. The survivor's family had earlier raised concerns about the omission of this charge.
As of 13 November, the accused is in judicial custody and the investigation is ongoing. The allegations are yet to be established in court.
The Bigger Question: How Safe Are Women On Public Transport?
The Naigaon incident raises questions about women's safety and bystander intervention, as other passengers were present during the incident.
It highlights the need for visible railway security, accessible reporting systems and quick action when passengers seek help.
While CCTV helps trace the accused, it cannot prevent assaults. Women using local trains for daily travel need safety that does not depend on bystanders choosing to intervene.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
What happened?
A 20-year-old woman was allegedly molested and pushed off a Mumbai local train at Naigaon station on 4 November 2026.
Where did it happen?
At Naigaon railway station in Maharashtra's Palghar district, on a local train travelling towards Virar.
What injuries did she suffer?
She lost her left arm below the elbow and sustained a head injury that required 16 stitches.
Who was arrested?
Police arrested 53-year-old Jitendra Girjappa Hirmukhe on 9 November 2026.
What led to the arrest?
CCTV footage from the railway station and surrounding areas helped police identify and trace the accused.
What charges have been added?
The case was initially registered under Sections 74 and 117(2) of the BNS. Section 109, relating to attempt to murder, was subsequently added.
What is the current status?
The accused is in judicial custody, and further investigation is underway, according to reports published on 12 November.
