In a disturbing incident highlighting the perils of stalking, a 25-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh was arrested by the Panvel Government Railway Police (GRP) for allegedly harassing and following his former girlfriend in the ladies' coach of a local train. The arrest came after the woman's brother intervened at Kurla station.
The Stalking Incident on Panvel-Kurla Local
The episode unfolded on the evening of Tuesday, December 22. According to senior inspector Vijay Tayade of Panvel GRP, the accused, identified as Rahul Yadav, followed the 21-year-old complainant from her private university in Panvel to the railway station. As she boarded a ladies' compartment, Yadav brazenly entered behind her.
During the journey from Panvel to Kurla, Yadav reportedly tried to convince the woman to restart their relationship. The woman, who had ended the three-year-long distance relationship about three months prior, was reluctant and felt threatened. In a smart move, she called her brother, asking him to come to Kurla station.
Background of the Relationship and Its End
Inspector Tayade provided context to the case. The complainant, also originally from Uttar Pradesh, had moved to Kurla to pursue a B.Tech degree. Her father works as a tempo driver in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Rahul Yadav remained in UP, where after completing his HSC, he was preparing for the NEET medical entrance exam.
The long-distance relationship lasted for three years until approximately three months ago. The woman decided to sever ties and blocked Yadav on her mobile phone after her family learned about their association. Undeterred, Yadav travelled to Mumbai to meet her, leading to the confrontation on the train.
Arrest and Legal Actions Invoked
Upon arrival at Kurla station, the woman's brother confronted Yadav and took him to the VB Nagar police station. An First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section for stalking.
Since the incident originated within Panvel GRP's jurisdiction, the case was transferred to them on Wednesday. The Panvel GRP not only pursued the stalking charges but also invoked sections of the Indian Railways Act against Yadav. These charges pertain to travelling without a proper ticket and the penalty for a male person entering a carriage reserved for females.
Rahul Yadav was produced before the Panvel court on December 24. The court sent him to police custody for one day initially, after which he was remanded to judicial custody.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences of stalking and trespassing in reserved spaces on public transport. Authorities are treating the matter with seriousness, applying both the new BNS provisions and railway bylaws to ensure accountability.
