Snake in Vande Bharat Express Washroom — Man Arrested After Weeks of Search

February 14, 2026

A 37‑year‑old man has been arrested for deliberately releasing a live snake inside the washroom of the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express last December — a bizarre episode that alarmed passengers and triggered a lengthy investigation by railway security officials. The startling discovery of the reptile occurred during the train’s journey, prompting swift action by the crew and later a search by authorities.

Panic Aboard Train as Snake Spotted

The incident first came to light on 27 December 2025, when passengers travelling in Coach C‑16 of the Vande Bharat Express spotted a rat snake — about 2 to 2.5 feet long inside the toilet and alerted the onboard staff. Railway officials immediately informed the control room and secured the washroom, though they could not locate the snake during initial searches at Karjat and Pune stations.

As a precaution, the toilet was sealed off, and the journey continued until the train reached Solapur, where a snake catcher was called in and the reptile was safely rescued. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed, but the incident caused significant anxiety among those on board.

Man Identified Through CCTV Footage

Railway Protection Force (RPF) investigators examined CCTV footage from the train and observed a man placing the snake inside the washroom after boarding at Thane station. Using this video evidence and a tip‑off from an informer, RPF officials were able to trace and arrest the suspect, identified as Jagan Arjun Bhale, a resident of Nashik district. He was apprehended from Mumbra on 12 February 2026, nearly six weeks after the incident.

Accused Admits Intent to Create Panic

During interrogation, Bhale allegedly confessed to releasing the snake with the aim of creating panic among passengers. Railway officials registered a case against him under Sections 145(b), 147, and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, which cover unlawful interference and endangering safety on rail property. Upon being produced before the Railway Court in Kalyan, he was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody as the investigation continues.

Railways Stress Passenger Safety

Officials from Central Railway praised the RPF team for their persistent efforts and investigation skills in tracking down the culprit in a case that initially seemed mysterious. The safe rescue of the snake and the apprehension of the accused underscore the emphasis on passenger safety and security on premium rail services like the Vande Bharat Express.