A tribal woman who was reportedly two months pregnant was allegedly raped inside a moving train in West Bengal on Thursday night, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of women passengers on trains.
The incident took place aboard the 15484 Sikkim Mahananda Express, which was travelling towards Alipurduar Junction. According to the woman’s husband, she was returning from a relative’s house in Delhi and had boarded the train at Old Delhi Junction on Wednesday.
According to the report, the woman was travelling in a compartment meant for specially abled passengers. After the train left Hasimara railway station at around 8.24 pm, the coach was reportedly empty except for the woman and the accused.
As the train crossed Garopara station, the man allegedly assaulted the woman inside the compartment.
Railway electrical staff travelling in an adjoining coach reportedly heard her cries for help and raised an alarm through the Rail Madad system.
When the train reached Alipurduar Junction at around 9.19 pm, personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) intercepted the train and apprehended the accused.
The accused has been identified as 30-year-old Gautam Mahato, a resident of Assam’s Kamrup district. Police said he had boarded the train at Siliguri Junction.
A preliminary investigation reportedly indicated that Mahato was working as a ragpicker and had left Assam following the floods in the state.
The accused was produced before an Alipurduar court and sent to five days of police custody.
The woman was admitted to Alipurduar Railway Hospital following the incident. A senior GRP official said she was doing fine at present.
The case has once again raised questions about passenger safety and security arrangements on trains, particularly in isolated compartments. The investigation into the alleged assault is underway.
