Mumbai local train murder: Moushumi Chatterjee demands justice for Mayank Lohar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee has publicly condemned the stabbing murder of Mayank Lohar, a 22-year-old salesman killed aboard a Mumbai suburban local train on 2 July following an argument over whether the coach door should remain open during heavy rainfall. The actress expressed shock at both the violence and the reported inaction of fellow passengers during the attack.
What Moushumi Chatterjee Said
Chatterjee posted Lohar's image on her X handle, writing: “Sad To Hear About What Happened To a Young Boy Named Mayank Lohar. Stabbed, All Because Of a Dispute To Close A Door. I am Disturbed And Disgusted. Not One Person On That Train Tried To Help Him. His Family Must Be Devastated. Praying For Justice For This Boy & His Family.” (sic)
The post drew widespread attention, amplifying public outrage over the incident and raising pointed questions about bystander apathy in crowded public spaces.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), Lohar — a resident of Virar employed as a salesman at a private firm in Andheri — was travelling in the first-class coach of Train No. 90663, which had departed Churchgate at 10:05 pm. The train was between Andheri and Borivali stations when Lohar reportedly asked a fellow passenger to close the door as heavy rain lashed the city.
The request escalated into a heated altercation. The accused allegedly produced a sharp weapon and stabbed Lohar in the abdomen, inflicting severe injuries. Lohar was reportedly returning home after finishing his shift when the incident occurred.
Suspect Arrested After Three-Day Manhunt
After a three-day search operation, the Mahim Police arrested the suspect accused in the attack — identified as 19-year-old Anas Ansari — from the Wadala area of Mumbai. The arrest was linked to a separate but connected incident: a knife attack on 35-year-old Naveen Prasanna outside Mahim Railway Station, also reportedly triggered by a minor dispute.
The weapon allegedly used in the stabbing remains unrecovered, and police teams are continuing efforts to trace it, according to officials.
Bystander Apathy in Focus
Chatterjee's post specifically highlighted that no passenger on the train intervened to help Lohar during the attack. This comes amid a broader national conversation about bystander behaviour in public emergencies — a concern that has surfaced repeatedly in incidents on Mumbai's heavily crowded suburban rail network, which ferries an estimated 75 lakh commuters daily.
Notably, this is not the first time violence aboard Mumbai local trains has prompted calls for better safety measures and emergency response protocols on one of the world's busiest urban rail systems.
What Happens Next
The GRP and Mahim Police are jointly investigating the case. Recovery of the alleged murder weapon remains a priority. Lohar's family, according to reports, is seeking swift legal action. As public pressure mounts — amplified by voices like Chatterjee's — authorities face renewed scrutiny over passenger safety on Mumbai's suburban rail network.