In a horrifying incident that occurred on Monday night, a 32-year-old woman has alleged that she was sexually harassed and subsequently thrown off a moving train near Gwalior station in Madhya Pradesh. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety and security of women in public spaces.
The Superintendent of Police in Gwalior, Rajesh Chandel, confirmed that an FIR has been registered under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. The police are actively investigating the matter and have also involved the railway police in the case.
According to the police, the woman and her 23-year-old male relative, both hailing from Jharkhand, were found unconscious on Tuesday morning near the railway track on the Badori railway line between Gwalior and Guna. The woman, who sustained fractures during the ordeal, claimed that a group of five individuals had harassed her by taking pictures without her consent.
Upon objecting to their actions, the woman informed the group that her relative was her husband and warned them of severe consequences. She then moved closer to the train’s door. It was at this point that she alleged some members of the group began pulling her saree. When she protested their actions, they callously threw both her and her relative out of the moving train.
The police are currently working to verify the woman’s statement and gather further details regarding the train and the passengers involved. However, the woman has been unable to provide specific information about the train, apart from mentioning that she was headed towards Surat.
In their efforts to identify the perpetrators, the authorities have requested CCTV footage from Muzaffarpur railway station and Lucknow. These recordings may prove instrumental in apprehending the accused individuals and ensuring that they face the full force of the law.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need to address the safety concerns faced by women in public spaces. It serves as a stark reminder that sexual harassment and violence against women persist as serious issues that demand immediate attention and stringent action.
As the investigation continues, concerned citizens and activists are calling for swift justice to be served and for enhanced measures to be implemented to safeguard the well-being and dignity of women during their travels. It is crucial that steps are taken to create an environment where women can move about freely without fear of harassment or harm.
The incident near Gwalior stands as a somber reminder that collective efforts are required from society, law enforcement agencies, and the government to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals, irrespective of their gender, to live and travel without fear.
Sources By Agencies
