​

A 23-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly pelting stones at the Vande Bharat Express near Kalyan near Mumbai, causing damage to several coaches, officers said on Friday.

According to the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the incident took place on Friday when Train No 22223 CSMT–Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express was passing between Thakurli and Kalyan near Mumbai. Stones were allegedly thrown at coaches C-1, C-3, C-4, and C-7, damaging the window glasses.

After receiving information from the divisional security control room and the train’s escorting party, a joint team of RPF Kalyan and the Crime Intelligence Branch launched a search operation in the area.

During the operation, one suspect was apprehended near Tulsi Building close to Patripul in Kalyan. He was identified as Sunny Kamble, a resident of Shukrawar Peth in Pune.

Accused claims he was intoxicated when he pelted stones at Vande Bharat near Kalyan

During interrogation, the accused allegedly told officers that he had consumed ganja (weed) earlier in the day and was roaming near the railway tracks before reaching the area close to Kalyan Railway Station. When the train passed, he picked up stones from the track and threw them at different coaches with the intention of frightening passengers.

Officers said the accused admitted to unlawfully entering railway premises and pelting stones at the train, which endangered passengers.

A case has been registered at RPF Police Station Kalyan under Sections 153 and 147 of the Railway Act. The accused was arrested and produced before a magistrate, who remanded him in judicial custody. He has been sent to Adharwadi Jail in Kalyan.

Railway authorities said the incident caused damage to railway property belonging to the Carriage and Wagon department, with losses estimated at Rs 20,650.

Further investigation in the case is being carried out by Sub-Inspector Sandeep Patil.