OMKAR SHINDE, the man accused of stabbing NM College professor Alok Kumar Singh on a local train on Saturday, told police he was angry after being “pushed and humiliated in front of women”. Shinde, whom the police described as “hot-tempered” in nature, also claimed that he did not know that the professor had died at the time of his arrest as he had only intended to prick him with tweezers.
According to a police officertwo women were standing near the footboard of the Borivali-bound train, followed by Singh and a fellow teacher. Shinde was behind them.
“The accused claimed that when he tried to move forward, Singh pushed him and asked him if he couldn’t see that there were women ahead. The women looked back and Shinde said he felt humiliated,” the officer said. The officer added that Shinde seemed short-tempered and visibly angry as he recalled the incident. Shinde’s father also told police that his son has “temperament issues.”
Police said Shinde then realized he was carrying a clamp used for imitation jewelry work in the bag hanging in front of him. He removed the tweezers and decided to take revenge by pricking Singh and running away.
“He claims he had no intention of killing him,” the officer said. When the train slowed down, Shinde jabbed Singh once and ran away. He fled fearing that Singh might chase him and retaliate.
“He did not know that Singh had passed away and hence he reached the railway station the next day and was shocked when he was arrested,” the officer added.
The Borivali Government Railway Police (GRP), which is investigating the case, said the tongs used in the attack have not yet been recovered. Police said Shinde dropped it while heading home, but have not revealed the exact location.
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On Tuesday, police conducted a search at Shinde’s residence in Kurar village but did not find the clamp. Shinde was brought to the spot and a detailed panchnama was held. Statements from their relatives were also recorded.
Responding to questions on why Singh was not taken to a nearby hospital in Malad and instead was shifted to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, nearly 4.5 km away during peak hours, a senior railway official said, “They admit patients only in government hospitals as per procedure and also avoid private hospitals as there is no clarity on who will pay the medical bill.”
The incident took place when Singh and Shinde were traveling in the same train bound for Borivali on Saturday. An argument allegedly broke out between them over getting off at Malad station.
Police said Shinde stabbed Singh on the left side of the abdomen with a pliers while lighting up the Malad station. Singh suffered a wound almost five inches deep and started bleeding. While there was little blood visible externally, officials believe massive internal bleeding caused his death.
