‘Papa, I’m not feeling well’: Thrashed for not speaking in Marathi, teen student ends life near Mumbai

Arnav Khaire, a student of Kelkar College in Mulund, was travelling in a second-class compartment as his first-class season pass had expired. (Photo: X/@theskindoctor13)

A 19-year-old BSc first-year student from Maharashtra’s Kalyan near Mumbai died by suicide on Tuesday, shortly after he was allegedly harassed and beaten in a suburban train for speaking in Hindi instead of Marathi.

Arnav Khaire, a student of Kelkar College in Mulund, was travelling in a second-class compartment as his first-class season pass had expired. His father, Jitendra Khaire, has filed a written complaint with Kolsewadi police, claiming the assault and humiliation his son faced pushed him into deep distress and eventually led to his death.

According to the father, Arnav followed his usual routine on Tuesday morning, taking an Ambernath–Kalyan local to reach college. In the complaint, Jitendra said Arnav had purchased a general-class ticket and boarded a crowded compartment at Kalyan station.

Due to the rush, Arnav accidentally brushed against a passenger and requested him to move slightly in Hindi. This allegedly triggered anger among a few men nearby.

Jitendra said Arnav told him during a phone call that the men questioned why he was speaking Hindi. “They asked why he wasn’t speaking Marathi, and whether he was ashamed of his own language.” Arnav told his father, ‘I told them I am Marathi, but they still argued and beat me.”

According to the father, Arnav said the attackers tore his mask and left him terrified. He got off the train at Thane, boarded another local, and continued to Mulund for his classes.

The father said Arnav remained shaken through the day. At college, after completing a practical exam, Arnav called his father saying, “Papa, I am not feeling well…” Later, after returning home, Arnav called again and described the assault in detail. Jitendra assured him he would take the matter to the police.

However, on Tuesday evening, when he reached home, the door was locked. With help from neighbours, he forced the door open and discovered Arnav had died by suicide. An ambulance was called, and doctors at Rukminibai Hospital declared him dead at 9.05 pm.

“The fear and mental stress caused by this incident pushed him towards suicide. I want a full investigation and justice for my son,” Jitendra was quoted by The Times of India as saying.

Police officials said the case is being taken seriously. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kalyanji Ghete confirmed that a special team has been formed and that the investigation is underway.