Police arrest a man accused of molesting a minor girl on a running train near Pernem, North Goa, following a complaint by the victim’s mother.Â
The Incident
Goa Police’s Konkan Railway wing arrests 37-year-old man for allegedly molesting a minor girl on a running train from LTT Mumbai to Kochuveli Kerala near Pernem in North Goa, as reported by the victim’s mother.
A young girl and her family embarked on a journey to Mangaluru, located in the state of Karnataka. Coincidentally, the accused, hailing from Thane in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra, was also on the same train with his own family. The official refrained from disclosing the victim’s age during the statement.
The accused was apprehended at Margao railway station in South Goa, and subsequent legal action was taken against him. He has been charged under Section 354 (A) (1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to the offence of molestation. Additionally, provisions of the Goa Children’s Act have been invoked in this case.
Section 354 (A) (1) of the IPC deals with the act of sexual harassment, where a person intentionally makes physical contact or uses gestures with sexual intent that violate the modesty of a woman. This section ensures that such acts are treated as criminal offences and can attract legal consequences.
In parallel, the Goa Children’s Act, which is specific to the state of Goa, has also been applied in this situation. The provisions of this act are aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of children. The exact sections and provisions from the act that have been invoked in this case are not mentioned in the provided information.
These legal measures highlight the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the incident, and they provide a legal framework to ensure justice for the victim. The accused will now undergo legal proceedings and be subjected to appropriate punishment if found guilty under the relevant laws.
A Similar Incident
Earlier this week, another distressing incident occurred on the Surat Express in Gujarat. A woman and her relative were reportedly subjected to sexual harassment by a group of five men on the moving train. The situation escalated when the victims were allegedly thrown off the train by the perpetrators. The incident took place during the train’s journey from Muzaffarpur to Surat.
According to a report from the Indian Express, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at Bilua police station. The FIR invoked sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
It is deeply concerning to see such incidents of harassment and violence occurring in public spaces. The authorities are responsible for investigating the matter and taking appropriate action against the perpetrators.
The woman involved in the incident, identified as a labourer from Jharkhand, suffered fractures as a result of the ordeal, while her relative luckily escaped with no serious injuries.
According to the victim’s account, the five men began taking her pictures without consent. She objected to their actions and warned them about potentially severe consequences. In an attempt to protect herself, she falsely claimed that her relative was her husband. As the woman approached the train door, the accused individuals started pulling her saree, subjecting her to further humiliation. Moreover, they physically assaulted her relative during the incident.
