Man Arrested for Molesting Minor on Mumbai Local Train, Victim Slaps Accused
A 35-year-old man was arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) for repeatedly molesting a minor girl on a Karjat-bound local train in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred on 10 February, saw the 14-year-old victim bravely slap the accused after enduring multiple inappropriate touches, leading to his immediate capture by her parents and fellow passengers.
Details of the Incident
The victim had traveled to south Mumbai with her family to celebrate her father's birthday. Later that evening, the family boarded a Karjat-bound fast local train to return home, sitting 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.
He stood close to the girl and touched her inappropriately several times during the journey. Initially, the girl responded with an angry stare but did not complain immediately. However, just before the train reached Dombivli station, as the family moved towards the exit passage, the accused repeated the act by standing behind the victim and touching her again.
Victim's Brave Response and Arrest
This time, the girl took decisive action by slapping the accused and alerting her parents about the repeated molestation since Kurla station. Her parents, along with co-travelers, quickly apprehended the man and handed him over to the police at Dombivli station. Since the offence originated at Kurla, custody of the accused was transferred to the Kurla GRP for further investigation.
Authorities have booked Mohammad Ayub Ansari under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and community action in combating such crimes on public transport.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the safety challenges faced by commuters, especially minors, on Mumbai's local trains. It also underscores the critical role of prompt reporting and bystander intervention in ensuring justice for victims of sexual harassment.
