Finance Professional Shot Dead by Cop After Spitting Paan Inside the Newly Inaugurated Mumbai Metro Line 3

AI Generated Representation

Aqua Line turns red. City in shock after a Financial Analyst is shot dead over a minor infraction.

Disclaimer

Civic sense, corruption, and poor public discipline remain some of the most pressing issues in our nation.

In this series of articles on Indian Civic Sense, I aim to give you the emotional satisfaction of witnessing how those who disrupt our daily lives through their lack of civic sense and morality face the consequences of their actions.

This work is a piece of fiction, created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and unintentional. Some scenes may contain descriptions that are graphic or unsettling. If you find any of this offensive, perhaps it’s worth reflecting on how your own everyday behaviour impacts those around you.

Article

MUMBAI: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across the city, a 32-year-old finance professional was shot dead by a police officer aboard the newly inaugurated Mumbai Metro Line 3 on Wednesday afternoon, allegedly after an argument over spitting paan inside the train turned violent.

The deceased, identified as Aakash Chandorkar, hailed from Pune and had been living in Andheri East for the past five years. He worked as a senior financial analyst at a multinational firm in Worli, and, until recently, had been a regular commuter on Mumbai’s suburban local trains. Wednesday marked his first day travelling via the Metro Line 3, which was inaugurated just last week to great public enthusiasm.

According to initial police reports, the incident occurred around 8:45 AM at Acharya Atre Chowk station, located along the underground corridor connecting SEEPZ to Cuffe Parade.

Eyewitnesses said Aakash, who was reportedly chewing paan while speaking on his phone, spat on the floor of the air-conditioned coach shortly after boarding at Fevicol Marol Naka station. The act was noticed by constable Santosh Patil, attached to the Metro Security Division, who was patrolling the train as part of routine operations during the first week of the line’s launch.

“The constable approached him and asked him to pay a fine under the Maharashtra Prohibition of Spitting and Littering in Public Spaces Act,” said an official from the Mumbai Police. “However, the situation quickly escalated when Aakash began arguing, accusing the officer of intimidation.”

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the verbal exchange grew heated. “He said things like, ‘I’ve taken this metro for the first time, and this is the welcome I get?’” recalled a passenger seated nearby. “The officer told him to calm down, but he refused and suddenly grabbed the constable’s shirt.”

Constable Patil told investigators that he “felt physically threatened and cornered” as the altercation drew the attention of other commuters. In his statement, he claimed that he acted in self-defence and fired a single shot from his service revolver. The bullet struck Aakash in the chest.

The metro was stopped immediately at the Sahar Road station, where emergency staff rushed to the scene. Aakash was taken to a nearby Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with commuters and citizens condemning what they describe as an “excessive and horrifying use of force.” “Spitting on public transport is unacceptable, but no one deserves to die for it,” said Rachita Menon, a fellow commuter. “This was supposed to be a proud day for Mumbai’s metro, and now it’s a nightmare.”

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar called the incident “deeply disturbing” and confirmed that Constable Patil has been taken into custody. “A departmental inquiry is underway, and an FIR under Section 302 (murder) has been registered,” he said. “We will ensure transparency and accountability.”

Civil rights groups have also condemned the incident. “This tragedy underscores how fragile the balance between enforcement and aggression has become,” said Nisha Kamat, spokesperson for the Mumbai Citizens Collective. “Cleanliness drives cannot turn into policing overreach.”

Aakash is survived by his wife, Sneha, an HR professional working in Lower Parel, and their four-year-old daughter. His parents are travelling from Pune to perform the last rites.

The Maharashtra government has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the family and has ordered the Home Department to submit a report within 14 days.

The Mumbai Citizens Collective has planned a silent march at the FEVICOL Marol Naka Metro Station on Thursday evening, calling for police reform and greater restraint in law enforcement.

Meanwhile, officials from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) expressed sorrow over the incident. “The Mumbai Metro was built to offer a safe, clean, and modern commuting experience,” said an MMRC spokesperson. “This tragic event is not just an aberration — it’s a sobering reminder of the need for compassion and composure in public service.”