Overview
- Central Railway’s RPF detained Jagan Arjun Bhale, 37, in Mumbra on February 12 for allegedly placing a snake aboard the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express.
- Investigators say CCTV captured a man putting the reptile in the toilet of Coach C-16 on December 27, 2025, prompting a case under Sections 145(B), 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989.
- Railway staff sealed the toilet, informed the control room, and the snake was safely rescued at Solapur with the train continuing its journey.
- Officials credit technical analysis of CCTV footage and an informer’s tip for tracing the suspect during the nearly seven-week search.
- The accused was produced before the Railway Court at Kalyan, allegedly confessed during interrogation, and the probe now focuses on motive and any possible collaborators.