The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has registered an FIR after a male commuter, allegedly disguised in a burqa, was found travelling in a ladies’ compartment of a Central Railway local train in Mumbai on Friday. A video of the incident later circulated widely on social media.
The incident occurred on a fast local bound for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Women passengers in the second-class ladies’ coach reportedly grew suspicious of a co-passenger and questioned the individual, who was then identified as a man.
Passenger flees before train halt
According to officials, the women informed the person that he would be handed over to police at the next stop, Ghatkopar station. However, before the train came to a halt, the man allegedly jumped off the moving coach and ran across the tracks, boarding another local headed towards Karjat.
The women subsequently alighted at Ghatkopar and reported the matter to on-duty police personnel. CCTV footage from the station was checked, but the suspect was not captured on camera. A check was later conducted on the Karjat-bound train at Mulund station, but the individual had already disembarked.
FIR registered, search underway
Following the video’s circulation online, the RPF registered a case under the Indian Railways Act for unauthorised travel in a ladies’ compartment. Officials confirmed that the accused is currently absconding and efforts are ongoing to trace him.
Railway authorities reiterated that ladies’ coaches are reserved to ensure safety and comfort for women passengers, and violations would be dealt with strictly. Passengers have been urged to report suspicious activity promptly to railway staff or helplines.