Publicly thrashed for speaking in Hindi, Maharashtra teen ends life
What's the story
A 19-year-old student from Maharashtra's Kalyan near Mumbai died by suicide on Tuesday. The victim, identified as Arnav Laxman Khaire, was a first-year BSc student at Kelkar College in Mulund. He was allegedly thrashed on a local train for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi while he was on his way to attend class. His father, Jitendra Khaire, has filed a complaint with the Kolsewadi police station over the incident.
Assault aftermath
Incident details: Assault on train, father's complaint
According to reports, Arnav was traveling in a second-class compartment on Tuesday morning when he asked a fellow passenger to move in Hindi, as it was crowded. This led to a group of 4-5 passengers confronting him. According to Jitendra, Arnav told him over the phone that the men asked why he wasn't speaking Marathi and if he was ashamed of his own language. Arnav told his father, "I told them I'm Marathi, but they still argued and beat me."
Tragic end
Arnav's distress and father's discovery of his suicide
Jitendra said Arnav was scared after the incident and continued to be shaken throughout the day. After a practical exam at college, Arnav called his father, saying, "Papa, I'm not feeling well..." Later that evening, when Jitendra returned home from work, he found the door locked from inside. With help from neighbors, they forced it open only to find Arnav had died by suicide.
Ongoing investigation
Investigation launched into Arnav's suicide
An ambulance was called and doctors at Rukminibai Hospital declared him dead at 9:05pm. Jitendra has demanded a full investigation and justice for his son, saying, "The fear and mental stress caused by this incident pushed him toward suicide." Assistant Commissioner of Police Kalyanji Ghete confirmed that a special team has been formed to investigate the case.