A horrifying incident in Haryana has left the nation shaken as a Haryana woman was gangraped on a train, then pushed onto railway tracks where she lost one of her legs. The victim, a 35-year-old resident of Panipat, suffered the trauma after being assaulted by multiple men inside an empty coach of a stationary train and subsequently thrown onto the tracks, resulting in severe injury, reported The Tribune.
According to police sources, the woman was first reported missing on June 26 by her husband, after she failed to return home following a domestic dispute on June 24. On the night of June 25, she was tracked to Panipat railway station, where she alleged being approached by a man who claimed to have been sent by her husband. He led her into an empty coach, committed acts of sexual violence, and was later joined by two or three other men who allegedly participated in the gangrape. Disoriented and injured, the woman was taken to Sonepat, where she was thrown onto the railway tracks and struck by a passing train, resulting in the amputation of her foot. She was initially admitted to Sonepat Civil Hospital before being referred to PGIMS Rohtak for specialized care. Her condition is currently under treatment.
The horrific ordeal came to light only after she was discovered near Hindu College railway track, accompanied by grievous injuries. Medical staff at PGIMS documented her statement, prompting Quila police station to lodge a “Zero FIR” under sections covering gangrape and grievous bodily harm. The case has since been transferred to Panipat Government Railway Police for further investigation.
Local law enforcement officials emphasized the gravity of the situation. An investigating officer stated that the case involves heightened scrutiny due to the involvement of both sexual violence and severe physical injury on public transport premises. The decision to register a Zero FIR at Quila station allowed authorities to bypass jurisdictional constraints and expedite the transfer of evidence and the victim’s statement to the appropriate investigating agency.
Public reaction has been swift and vehement. Citizens have condemned the incident, calling for stronger safety protocols at railway stations and more stringent survivor protection measures. Critics pointed out the growing vulnerability of women in public spaces and demanded immediate action—calling for better lighting and surveillance at station premises, as well as timely intervention from security personnel.
Demanding justice, civil society groups have urged police and railway authorities to expedite the arrest and prosecution of all suspects. The case is expected to be monitored by higher-level police echelons and possibly the women and child welfare boards, given the severity of assault and subsequent life-altering injury.
Authorities confirmed that digital records including CCTV footage from the station, mobile call data of the victim and call records of suspects, and forensic evidence from the train compartment and crime scene are being meticulously analysed. Any delays or lapses in gathering evidence could hinder prosecution, making the fast-tracked transfer and careful documentation critical to legal proceedings.
The incident is also prompting broader policy discussions. Activists and women’s rights advocates are pressing for a re-evaluation of safety measures on trains and platforms—especially regarding deserted coaches at night. They recommend mandatory patrolling, increased staffing during late hours, and accessible helpline numbers displayed prominently at stations and inside coaches.
As the investigation continues under the supervision of railway and local police authorities, the survivor remains hospitalised in Rohtak. Legal authorities have pledged support and speedy action, asserting that the accused must face swift trial and penalties under relevant sections of the law.
This agonising case has reignited debates on infrastructure safety, systemic accountability, and the imperative of protecting women in public transport spaces. As police pursue suspects and gather further evidence, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for robust mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable individuals—especially women—amidst growing concerns over public safety across transit networks.
Photo for representation.
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