03 March,2026 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Railway authorities have taken action against six commuters for carrying a large bamboo pole - believed to be part of a Holi tree - inside a suburban local train travelling from Virar towards Mahim, briefly disrupting services at Borivali station.
According to railway officials, the incident occurred aboard local train number CCG-91018. Acting on information received from station staff, on-duty Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Israr, along with Station Master Ranjit Kumar, reached Platform No. 5 at Borivali station to inspect the situation.
Upon checking coach number 5294/C, authorities found that a group of passengers had brought bamboo inside the compartment, obstructing movement and creating operational difficulties. The train guard, identified as Purushottam, informed officials that the obstruction forced the train to halt temporarily, affecting scheduled services.
Railway staff questioned the individuals involved and asked them to deboard the train. The group was subsequently escorted to the railway police post for further inquiry. Officials confirmed that all six individuals admitted to their actions during questioning.
Separate cases were registered against the accused under Sections 145(B) and 145(C) of the Railways Act. The individuals have been identified as Akash Dhone (33), Sagar Tulsidas Bane (22), Ashok Karnam Gunjalappa (27), Anil Kumar Mahadev Singh (22), Brahma Dena Hussain Appa (38), and Shekhar Kohli Ashtafa Koli (37). The cases have been recorded under numbers BVI CR-1099/26 to BVI CR-1104/26.
The incident led to a temporary disruption in train operations at Borivali station. According to the Station Master's report, services were delayed from 12:24 am to 12:46 am, resulting in an overall delay of approximately 20 minutes.
Railway authorities reiterated that carrying oversized or hazardous materials inside train coaches poses serious safety risks and can disrupt suburban rail services, which are considered the lifeline of Mumbai.
The bamboo was reportedly being transported as part of a long-standing Holi tradition observed by members of the Koli community. The custom involves carrying a Holi tree from Virar to Mahim for Holika Dahan, a ritual that dates back to the British era.
Historically linked to the Mori Road area in Mahim - once home to several chawls inhabited by fishing families - the tradition has continued even after many families relocated to Virar due to urban redevelopment. Despite the shift, the community maintains strong cultural ties to Mahim.
Every year, the journey begins at Virar railway station, where community members carry the Holi tree on their shoulders, accompanied by singing, dancing, and chants of devotion. The tree is then transported via a local train to Mahim.
In a striking visual, the long tree trunk is often secured along the exterior of the train while participants stand at the doors to maintain balance. While the atmosphere remains celebratory, officials have raised concerns over the safety implications of such practices in a densely populated transport network.
Authorities have urged citizens to celebrate festivals responsibly and within the framework of railway regulations to ensure passenger safety and uninterrupted services.
