The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Thursday aboard train number 17606, the Bhagat Ki Kothi-Kacheguda Express, travelling from Jodhpur to Hyderabad. The train had crossed Washim station when the alleged incident occurred.
According to the information available, some followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar were returning after attending a Dussehra programme in Nagpur. They had boarded the train at Akola and were travelling to Nanded. During the journey, a minor accompanying the group allegedly entered a reserved coach by mistake.
Passengers alleged that the minor was subsequently assaulted by some passengers and RPF personnel. When the women travelling with the group attempted to intervene, they were allegedly pushed and subjected to misbehaviour. The group also alleged that other members travelling with them were assaulted.
When the train reached Hingoli railway station, the agitated passengers got off and sat on the tracks in front of the engine. They raised slogans against the railway authorities and blocked the train, bringing its journey to a halt.
The protest continued for more than two hours, disrupting the train’s onward journey. After receiving information about the incident, Hingoli city police arrived at the station and attempted to pacify the protesters. Police assured them that their complaint would be examined and the allegations investigated. Following the intervention, the protest ended and the train departed after a delay of approximately two hours.
The RPF, however, rejected the allegations of assault made by the passengers. An RPF officer said personnel had been clearing the crowded B-2 coach when the incident occurred. According to the officer, RPF personnel objected when some passengers travelling without tickets began recording videos.
The officer stated, “When the minor was asked to delete the video, he became frightened. Seeing his condition, the train guard and the Hingoli station master were immediately contacted, and arrangements for a doctor were requested.”
The officer’s account differs from the allegations made by the protesting passengers, who claimed that the minor and other members of their group had been assaulted and that women had faced misbehaviour while attempting to intervene.
An investigation is underway into the passengers’ complaint and the version presented by the railway security personnel. The allegations of assault and misbehaviour with women have not yet been confirmed. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to become clear after the detailed investigation by the police.
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