RPF arrests man who planted rat snake in Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat toilet. Photo: X.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway has arrested a 37-year-old man after six weeks in connection with the incident of a snake being planted in a toilet of the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express.
The accused has been identified as Jagan Arjun Bhale, a resident of Nashik district. He was traced and arrested from Mumbra with the help of CCTV footage and an informer’s tip-off.
According to investigators, surveillance footage allegedly showed Bhale boarding the train at Thane and releasing a rat snake inside the toilet of coach C-16 before leaving.
During questioning, the accused reportedly confessed to committing the offence.
The incident occurred on December 27, 2025, in coach C-16 of train number 22225 Vande Bharat Express, when passengers spotted a snake inside the washroom.
Railway staff immediately sealed the toilet and informed the control room. Despite the incident, the train continued its journey toward Solapur.
When the train reached Solapur station, the reptile was safely rescued with the assistance of a professional snake catcher.
Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila confirmed the rescue and the sequence of events.
Following the incident, officials registered a case under Sections 145(B), 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, and launched an investigation.
After his arrest, the accused was produced before the Railway Court in Kalyan, which granted 14 days of magisterial custody remand. A detailed probe is currently underway.
Central Railway officials also praised the RPF personnel for their swift action in tracing the accused and ensuring passenger safety.
Officials said offences were registered under relevant provisions of the Railways Act, and the accused was tracked after investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing him placing the snake inside the toilet compartment after boarding the train at Thane.
The Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat service is equipped with multiple safety mechanisms, including the KAVACH train protection system, centrally controlled automatic plug doors, CCTV cameras in every coach, improved fire detection and suppression systems, and a coach condition monitoring system with remote oversight.
Additional safety features include emergency alarm push buttons, driver-guard communication with voice recording, and enhanced ride comfort systems for passengers.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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