An NCC cadet has accused a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) of raping her aboard the Ahmedabad–Gorakhpur Express in Uttar Pradesh; the accused has been suspended, a ₹10,000 reward announced and police teams are searching for him.
A 22-year-old woman preparing for Army recruitment has accused a travelling ticket examiner named Rahul Kumar of sexually assaulting her inside the AC First Class coach of the Ahmedabad–Gorakhpur Express while the train was en route between Indara and Deoria stations on 15 February.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) have registered a case of rape based on her complaint and launched an extensive manhunt for the accused, who is currently absconding.
According to her statement, she had travelled from Mau to Gorakhpur after appearing for her National Cadet Corps (NCC) ‘C’ certificate examination, but could not buy a valid ticket at the crowded station and stood in an AC coach. During ticket checking, the TTE allegedly offered to arrange a seat after collecting a fine, then took her to a cabin in the AC First Class coach under this pretext and assaulted her. She further alleged that he threatened to implicate her for travelling without a ticket if she disclosed the incident.
The survivor managed to raise an alarm and called the 112 emergency helpline, prompting the accused to flee the train at Deoria station.
On arrival at Gorakhpur, she lodged a formal complaint with the GRP, and the case was later transferred to Deoria police jurisdiction. Police have since conducted her medical examination, and teams from the GRP and local railway police are conducting raids to trace the suspect.
GRP Superintendent of Police Laxminivas Mishra confirmed that the accused has been suspended from duty by the railways and a reward of ₹10,000 has been announced for credible information leading to his arrest.
“We are conducting raids and have formed multiple teams to locate him. He will be arrested soon,” he said, emphasising that strict action will be taken under the law.
Violation of Procedure and Safety Lapses
Railway authorities have stressed that under established rules, a TTE’s duty is to check tickets, collect fines, and issue valid tickets before directing passengers to appropriate coaches. Escorting a passenger to a private cabin especially for an individual without a valid ticket is not part of authorised procedure.
This case has drawn questions about how such a breach of protocol could occur and whether routine checks and supervision of railway staff need strengthening.
The alleged incident also underscores broader safety concerns about women travelling alone on trains.
Multiple media reports and online reactions highlight how such crimes shake public confidence in basic safety systems particularly in confined spaces such as train coaches where surveillance is limited and passengers may feel vulnerable.
Public outrage has been visible on social media, with commentators and advocacy groups calling for stricter monitoring of railway employees, the installation of surveillance cameras in coaches, and more robust mechanisms for women travellers to seek help.
Some have demanded independent oversight or a review of existing safety protocols to deter abuse of power and enhance accountability.
Aftermath and Broader Context
The case comes amid ongoing national concerns about women’s safety in public spaces and transportation networks. While legal provisions exist to protect victims of sexual violence and prosecutorial mechanisms such as fast-track courts and dedicated police cells are in place, enforcement and preventive measures remain areas of persistent public debate.
Expert voices in recent days have urged not only swift action against the accused but systemic reforms including better background verification of staff deployed in passenger-facing roles and awareness campaigns around reporting abuse.
Officials have indicated that CCTV footage from train coaches, staff duty logs, witness testimonies and other evidence will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Railway police have also noted that cooperation with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and civil police is critical in tracking suspects swiftly and ensuring that justice is delivered in line with the law.
Victims’ rights advocates have reiterated the importance of trauma-informed policing and legal support for survivors, emphasising access to legal counsel, medical care and psychological support throughout and after the investigation.
The incident has also reignited discussions on accessibility and affordability of travel for students and lower-income travellers, many of whom board trains without confirmed tickets because of overcrowding or lack of alternatives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This deeply disturbing allegation if substantiated represents more than an individual act of violence; it reflects a systemic failure in ensuring the safety and dignity of citizens who rely on public services. Trains are lifelines that connect people across distances, cultures and communities.
Women travelling these routes deserve the assurance that their journeys will be secure, and that those entrusted with authority cannot exploit their position to harm others. It is equally vital to guard against the misuse of such incidents to spread misinformation, prejudice or blame.
True progress lies in strengthening systems, enforcing accountability, ensuring support for survivors, and nurturing a culture that unequivocally condemns all forms of violence.
