HYDERABAD: A 23-year-old woman jumped from a moving MMTS train after a man allegedly attempted to rape her inside the ladies’ coach, resulting in severe injuries with bleeding.
Though the incident occurred on Saturday, March 22 at approximately 8:15 pm near Suchitra, she could only lodge a complaint with the Government Railway Police (GRP) the next day due to the severity of her injuries.
According to the GRP, the woman works in the inventory department of a food service delivery platform in Hyderabad and is a native of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
She stated that on March 22 at 3 pm, she travelled from Medchal to Secunderabad to get her mobile phone display repaired. She reached Secunderabad Railway Station, purchased a general ticket to Medchal, and boarded the ladies’ coach of an MMTS train at 7.15 pm.
The woman told the police that during the journey, around 8.15 pm, two women passengers exited the train at Alwal. She said she did not notice when the perpetrator - approximately 25 years old, thin and dark-skinned - boarded the ladies’ coach.
He approached her and demanded sexual favours. When she refused, he attempted to force himself on her. To escape, she jumped from the moving train, sustaining severe injuries with bleeding to her head, chin, right hand, and waist.
Passersby called an ambulance, and she was taken to Gandhi Hospital for treatment. The victim informed the police that she would be able to identify the assailant if she saw him again.
GRP Superintendent of Police Chandana Deepthi told reporters that after the two women passengers left the ladies’ compartment, the accused grabbed the victim tightly and demanded she come to his room. To escape, she initially agreed. When he freed her, she took the chance to jump from the moving train, fearing for her safety.
Woman’s condition stable, says cop
The official said that the victim contacted Dial 100 while speaking with the accused. “We will examine those records as well,” Chandana Deepthi said.
“After jumping from the moving train, we believe she lost consciousness. She says she regained consciousness after reaching the hospital. Now, her condition is stable,” the officer added.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay spoke to the victim over the phone and assured her of the best possible treatment. She will be shifted to Yashoda Hospital. Sanjay also asked BJP Mahila Morcha state president Shilpa Reddy to assist the family in shifting her to Yashoda Hospital.
Meanwhile, BRS working president KT Rama Rao called the incident shocking and requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to direct the Railway Police to ensure a speedy investigation. “The police should assist the victim in every way required,” Rama Rao said. He alleged that the overall law and order situation in the city was deteriorating.
BRS MLC K Kavitha said the incident highlighted the lack of safety for women in the city.