Pregnant Woman Stabbed on Saket Express Following Petty Dispute
A shocking incident of violence unfolded aboard the Saket Express late Saturday, leaving a 23-year-old pregnant woman injured after an alleged attack by co-passengers. The victim, identified as Ashma from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, was traveling with her family when a minor disagreement escalated into a brutal assault involving a kitchen knife.
Details of the Violent Altercation
The attack occurred between Jabalpur and Bhusawal railway stations as the train made its journey. According to reports, Ashma, who is four months pregnant, boarded the Saket Express in Mumbai along with her husband Hameed and their minor son. The family struggled to find space in the crowded bogie but eventually managed to secure seats.
However, their relief was short-lived. A petty dispute with a co-passenger soon erupted into a heated argument. Witnesses described how the situation rapidly deteriorated when two women, accompanied by two others, allegedly launched a violent attack on Ashma. The assailants are reported to have beaten her and stabbed her with a sharp object, later identified as a kitchen knife, causing injuries to her neck and abdomen.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Following the assault, the Government Railway Police (GRP) attended to the case at Jabalpur railway station. Despite the severity of the incident, Ashma's family insisted on continuing their journey to Prayagraj as they belonged to Pratapgarh. The Saket Express eventually pulled into Prayagraj Junction early Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, Hameed alerted his family in Pratapgarh, who rushed to the station and immediately took Ashma to Dufferin Hospital in Prayagraj for medical treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that the pregnant woman suffered only minor injuries and is now in stable condition, providing some relief amid the traumatic ordeal.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The GRP in Prayagraj has officially transferred the case to Jabalpur GRP for further investigation. Station House Officer AK Singh of GRP Prayagraj provided crucial details, stating that the incident took place near Jabalpur railway station. He emphasized that the attack stemmed from a trivial dispute and involved two women as the primary aggressors.
In a significant development, two co-passengers from Sultanpur and Ambedkar Nagar have been issued challans following the formal complaint. A zero FIR was registered to facilitate the legal process, ensuring that jurisdiction issues do not hinder the investigation. However, when contacted, GRP Jabalpur police station incharge Sanjeevani Rajput and Additional SP Bhawna Marawi both indicated that they are yet to receive the complete case diary, highlighting ongoing procedural steps.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident raises serious questions about passenger safety on long-distance trains, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women. The fact that a minor dispute could escalate to such extreme violence underscores the need for enhanced security measures and conflict resolution mechanisms aboard trains.
Authorities are urging passengers to report any suspicious behavior or conflicts immediately to railway officials or the GRP. The investigation continues as Jabalpur GRP takes charge of the case, with further updates expected as more details emerge from the ongoing probe.
