TTE Accused of Attempted Rape on Ahmedabad-Gorakhpur Express; Rs 10,000 Reward Announced
A shocking incident has come to light involving a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) aboard the Ahmedabad-Gorakhpur express. A 24-year-old woman, who was preparing for Army recruitment, has accused the TTE of attempting to rape her during her journey on Sunday night. The alleged assault occurred between Indara and Deoria stations, sending shockwaves through the railway community.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to the complaint lodged with the Government Railway Police (GRP), the survivor had travelled from Gorakhpur to Mau to appear for her NCC ‘C' certificate examination. On her return journey, due to a heavy rush at Mau station, she was unable to purchase a ticket and boarded an AC coach of the train.
In her FIR, the woman stated that while she was standing inside the AC coach, the TTE, identified as Rahul Kumar, approached her and enquired about her identity and travel details. Upon learning that she was an NCC cadet, he allegedly assured her of providing a seat after charging the requisite fine for ticket-less travel. However, the situation took a sinister turn when he took her to a first AC cabin under the pretext of arranging a seat.
The survivor alleged that once inside the cabin, the TTE locked the door from inside and attempted to sexually assault her. When she resisted, he reportedly threatened to implicate her in a ticket-less travel case if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Immediate Response and Police Action
Displaying remarkable courage, the woman raised an alarm and dialled 112 to alert the police. Following this, the accused TTE reportedly got off the train at Deoria station and fled the scene. Upon her arrival in Gorakhpur, the survivor lodged a formal complaint at the GRP police station. The case was subsequently transferred to Deoria for jurisdictional reasons.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections and conducted the survivor's medical examination. GRP SP Laxmi Niwas Mishra confirmed that an FIR for attempt to rape has been registered, and raids are underway to arrest the accused TTE, who is said to be a resident of Bihar. Railway authorities have also been informed about the incident.
Reward Announced and Procedural Violations
In a significant development, the GRP has announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the absconding TTE, Rahul Kumar. This move underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Officials have pointed out that under standard railway rules, a passenger found without a ticket is liable to pay a fine and be issued a valid ticket. Sending such a passenger to a private cabin is strictly against established procedures, highlighting potential misconduct by the accused TTE beyond the criminal allegations.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety on Indian railways, especially for women travelling alone. The survivor's status as an NCC cadet and Army recruitment aspirant adds a layer of poignancy to the case, as she represents a segment of youth dedicated to national service.
The investigation continues with police intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the accused. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent security measures and proper conduct enforcement among railway staff to prevent such traumatic experiences for passengers.
