Mumbai Man Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Minor on Karjat-Bound Local Train
A 35-year-old man has been arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Mumbai for allegedly molesting a minor girl repeatedly on a local train bound for Karjat. The disturbing incident, which occurred on February 10, saw the 14-year-old victim and her family traveling home after celebrating her father's birthday in south Mumbai.
Details of the Harrowing Incident
The victim, accompanied by her parents and sibling, boarded a Karjat-bound fast local train late in the evening. The family occupied seats in the general compartment. Between 9:45 PM and 10:45 PM, the accused, identified as Mohammad Ayub Ansari, boarded the same compartment at Kurla station.
According to police reports, Ansari positioned himself close to the girl and touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions during the journey. The girl, though visibly angry, initially did not report the harassment to anyone due to fear or shock.
Brave Response Leads to Arrest
The situation escalated just before the train reached Dombivli station. As the family prepared to disembark and moved toward the exit passage, the accused allegedly touched the victim inappropriately once again.
This time, the minor girl fought back courageously, slapping the perpetrator and immediately informing her parents about the repeated molestation she had endured since Kurla station. Her parents, along with alert co-travelers in the compartment, apprehended the accused and handed him over to police authorities at Dombivli station.
Legal Action and Investigation
Since the offense originated at Kurla station, the accused's custody was transferred to the Kurla GRP for further investigation. Authorities have registered a case against Mohammad Ayub Ansari under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The GRP is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, examining witness statements and gathering additional evidence. This case highlights ongoing concerns about women's safety on Mumbai's local trains, particularly during late hours.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The incident has sparked discussions about:
- Enhanced security measures on Mumbai's railway network
- The importance of bystander intervention in such situations
- Legal protections available under the POCSO Act for minor victims
- Public awareness campaigns about reporting mechanisms
Railway authorities have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety, while child rights activists emphasize the need for stronger preventive measures and swift justice in such cases.
