Man held for travelling in women’s coach wearing burqa in Mumbai local

The arrest of a 57-year-old man for allegedly travelling in the women’s compartment of a Mumbai suburban train while wearing a burqa has once again triggered conversations around commuter safety and the possible misuse of disguises in crowded public spaces.

The incident took place on February 6 at Ghatkopar railway station and came to light after a video went viral on social media the following day. Although no woman passenger lodged a formal complaint, the Government Railway Police (GRP) initiated a probe, treating the matter seriously given the sensitivity surrounding security in coaches reserved exclusively for women.

The accused, identified as Sheikh Altaf Hussain Ishaq, was traced to Nashik following a detailed analysis of CCTV footage. Cameras at Ghatkopar and Thane stations showed him arriving by the Up Patliputra Express and later boarding a local train. Additional footage from Igatpuri and Nashik Road stations allegedly captured him wearing a burqa and jumping the fencing at Nashik Road station. Police examined footage from more than 25 CCTV cameras across Nashik city before identifying him based on his distinctive walking style and footwear. A search of his residence reportedly led to the recovery of the shoes and bags seen in the video, and his identity was confirmed by family members.

During questioning, officials said he gave vague responses. Police further stated that he suffers from schizophrenia and is undergoing treatment at a mental health facility in Sambhaji Nagar, adding that he occasionally wanders off due to his medical condition.

Incidents involving disguise often prompt public concern about how attire can be used to conceal identity in busy transport systems. In a similar case reported in Mumbai in 2019, a man was detained for entering a women’s coach while dressed as a woman. Following that episode, railway authorities stepped up surveillance, deployed plainclothes personnel in ladies’ compartments, and reinforced warnings about penalties for unlawful entry . Officials have maintained that while such cases raise safety concerns, enforcement actions are intended to prevent violations of railway laws without targeting any particular community or religious practice.

Further investigation is underway.