Mumbai Police Secure Deaf‑mute Witness in Train Murder Probe, Call in Sign‑language Expert

On a sweltering evening in Mumbai, a commuter’s desperate scream was cut short as he was shoved from a moving train, sparking a murder investigation that has now taken an unusual turn. Investigators with the Government Railway Police (GRP) have located a deaf‑mute eyewitness to the incident and have brought in a sign‑language expert to ensure his account can be recorded accurately.

Key Points

• Deaf‑mute witness identified in the Cajetan Pires train death case.
• GRP has engaged a certified sign‑language interpreter to translate the witness’s testimony.
• Suspect Amjad Shaikh remains in custody while the investigation proceeds.
• The case highlights challenges of gathering evidence from differently‑abled individuals.

Local Impact

The discovery of a witness who could not speak or hear adds a new layer to a case that has already rattled commuters across the city. Residents of the surrounding neighborhoods expressed relief that the police are leaving no stone unturned, noting that the train line is a lifeline for thousands daily. Advocacy groups for the hearing‑impaired community have praised the GRP’s decision to involve a specialist, calling it a step toward more inclusive policing.

Brief Context

On August 22, 2026, Cajetan Pires, a regular commuter, was allegedly pushed off a local train while it was in motion near a busy station. The incident resulted in his death and triggered a criminal probe led by the GRP. Early investigations pointed to Amjad Shaikh, who was seen in proximity to the victim moments before the fall. While forensic evidence and CCTV footage are still being examined, the police have struggled to locate reliable eyewitnesses.

In a breakthrough, officers traced a commuter who was traveling on the same carriage and witnessed the altercation but could not communicate verbally due to being deaf‑mute. Recognizing the importance of his perspective, the GRP reached out to a certified sign‑language interpreter with experience in legal settings.

What Happens Next

The interpreter will conduct a formal statement with the witness, translating his observations into a written record that can be used in court. Police officials indicated that the testimony could corroborate existing evidence and help solidify the case against Shaikh. Meanwhile, investigators continue to review train surveillance footage and gather forensic data to build a comprehensive picture of the crime.

Legal experts note that the inclusion of a sign‑language expert may set a precedent for future investigations involving differently‑abled individuals, ensuring that crucial testimonies are not lost due to communication barriers. The GRP has also announced plans to train more officers in basic sign‑language basics to improve interactions with the hearing‑impaired community.

As the investigation unfolds, the city watches closely, hoping for justice for Cajetan Pires and a clearer path toward safer commuter travel.