Amanze Chinonye
Indian railway police have opened an investigation into the death of a Nigerian man who collapsed while being questioned by Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials at Surat railway station following an alleged altercation aboard the Golden Temple Express.
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The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on Monday, August 17, 2026 when a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report a fight involving the Nigerian national and another passenger, according to the Government Railway Police (GRP).
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The altercation allegedly began over a dispute about standing near one of the train’s doors while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat in Gujarat, police said.
The Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the scuffle. He was subsequently detained when the train reached Surat and taken to an RPF office for questioning.
He collapsed while being questioned and was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said.
The Surat GRP has registered a case of accidental death and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. A post-mortem examination was conducted on August 18, but the report was still awaited, officials said.
Western Railway Superintendent of Police Abhay Soni said preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased was a Nigerian national who lived in Vasai, Mumbai. Soni said the man did not have identification documents when he was detained.
Police records showed that the man had been arrested twice in Mumbai in 2018 in connection with alleged cocaine-trafficking cases registered at Malwani and Malad police stations, Soni said.
Authorities were also investigating the purpose of his journey to Delhi. According to Soni, the man had boarded the Golden Temple Express at Borivali in Mumbai.
“We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken,” Soni said.
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The investigation into the death is being led by Deputy Superintendent of Police D.H. Gaur, while authorities await the autopsy report.
The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear. Although the GRP is investigating the case as an alleged custodial death because the man died after being detained and questioned by railway authorities, investigators have not established that his detention caused his death.
The autopsy findings are expected to help determine the cause of death and provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding his collapse.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
