News date: November 21, 2025 (reported) — Updated: November 24, 2025.
A 19-Year-Old Kalyan College Student Dies by Suicide after reportedly being harassed and assaulted on a suburban local train, an episode his family says caused severe mental distress that led to the youngster taking his own life. The student, identified by multiple media reports as Arnav Khaire, was a first-year BSc student who, according to his father, was confronted by commuters after asking someone to move a little so he could step forward; the argument turned ugly when the group objected to him speaking in Hindi instead of Marathi.
A 19-Year-Old Kalyan College Student Dies by Suicide — what the family and police say
Family members say Arnav returned home visibly upset after the incident and later that evening was found dead in his locked room. His father told police that the teen had been humiliated and beaten on the train and had repeatedly told him: “Papa, I am not feeling well.” Local police first recorded an accidental death report but, following the father's complaint, have registered an abetment of suicide case and are investigating the alleged assault.
Allegations of language-based discrimination and public reaction
The episode has reignited a broader debate on language-based discrimination in Maharashtra, particularly tensions between Marathi and Hindi speakers in and around Mumbai. Several regional outlets and activists have pointed to the incident as an example of how linguistic identity can be weaponised in everyday interactions, while politicians and social groups have urged restraint and a thorough investigation before conclusions are drawn. Public outcry online has been intense, with calls for action against those responsible and for better safeguards for commuters.
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What the investigation is doing now
Police said investigators are examining CCTV footage from the train and stations on the route, have seized the student’s mobile phone for forensic analysis, and formed multiple teams to trace and identify the men named in the complaint. Authorities are working with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) to piece together the timeline and identify suspects from available footage and witness statements. The investigation is ongoing, and police have indicated that charges under sections related to voluntarily causing hurt and abetment will be pursued if supported by evidence.
Mental health, stigma and the risks for young commuters
Mental health experts and counsellors stress that humiliation or assault — even when physical injuries are not severe — can trigger intense psychological distress, especially in adolescents and young adults. Stigma, fear of public shaming, and lack of timely support can increase risk factors for suicidal behaviour. Mental-health advocates say the case underlines the need for swift psychosocial support after any public assault or bullying incident, and for schools and colleges to maintain clear helplines and counselling options for students who experience harassment. (This is general analysis and not a substitute for professional medical advice.)
Community response and calls for accountability
Local community leaders, student groups and some political representatives have called for a transparent investigation and legal action where warranted. Several voices have asked authorities to treat the matter with sensitivity and to avoid politicising a family’s loss, while civil-society groups have urged measures to reduce language-based discrimination and to promote communal harmony in commuter spaces.
Disclaimer: This article summarises reports published by multiple news organisations about the death of a 19-year-old student from Kalyan and subsequent police action. Details in this story are based on reporting available as of the dates cited; investigations are ongoing and legal findings may change. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate help from local emergency services or a mental health professional.
Sources / Further reading:
- Indian Express — ‘Are you ashamed to speak in Marathi’: Kalyan teen dies by suicide, father alleges language dispute and assault
- Times of India — 3 teams to probe student's suicide after train assault
- Indian Express — Abetment of suicide case filed after 19-year-old’s death in Kalyan
- Mumbai Mirror — Teen assaulted on train over Marathi dies by suicide
- Moneycontrol — Teen student ends life after alleged harassment for speaking Hindi