[Resolved]  Southern Railway — Safety of Woman passenger

On 11/3/2008 I travelled by the Pandian Exp. from Chennai. I happened to come across an incident in coach no.S9 which is not only unpleasant but also explains the insecurity of a woman traveling in the Train.
When the train was between Tambaram and Chinglepet a man, in his mid twenties, started mis-behaving with a lonely lady co passenger. He was in inebriated state and spoke all sorts of filthy language, abusing the woman who is a well placed Officer in a reputed PSU. He was also accompanied by two of his friends who were also not able to control him. The plight of the woman cannot be explained and any weak-hearted would not have faced such a situation. When the efforts of all the co-passengers failed, a formal complaint was lodged with the RPF in the train.
Only then it was learnt that the culprit is working in the State Police. With a bit of tussle between him and the RPF, the man was finally de-trained at Villupuram Station. Around 2 am the woman has received a phone in her mobile (her no. was given in the complaint letter). The caller has identified himself as from the Police Department and he wanted the complaint to be withdrawn stating that the culprit was ready to apologize. The lady was in no mood to withdraw the complaint and has insisted to go ahead with the legal action.
Meanwhile, there was a fire in the first compartment, the train was stopped and we alighted at Vadamadurai. Around 7am, there were another couple of calls to the lady to withdraw the complaint for which she has not replied anything.
Nobody knows whether justice will prevail in this case. It is really sad that the RPF, who are suppose to look after the safety and interest of the common man are not taking action against a criminal because he is a Policeman. One is not able to understand how the mobile no. of the complainant got into the hands of the criminal. If an young Policeman who has to be the guardian of the public is indulging in such unlawful activities, it is will be dangerous to continue him in such a noble service.
Each weekends a lot of parents in the Southern Districts expect their college-going children (even girls) to join them at their home. So far we were of the thought that train journey is safe. But after this incident, everybody has to re-think.