Railway Employee Accused of Raping Passenger in Odisha After Promising to Arrange Confirmed Train Ticket

Rourkela, Odisha: A routine journey to Bengaluru reportedly took a frightening turn for a 20-year-old woman at Rourkela railway station after a railway employee allegedly lured her into an operator room with a promise of arranging a confirmed train ticket and sexually assaulted her.

The 54-year-old accused, identified as Kapileshwar Singh, was arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) on Thursday in connection with the alleged assault.

Railway authorities have also taken disciplinary action against Singh. Senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Chaudhary said Singh, who worked as a valve operator, had been dismissed from service and would not receive pensionary benefits. The railway administration also said it was cooperating with the police investigation.

The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger safety at railway stations, particularly when travellers are approached by people claiming they can help arrange tickets or other railway services.

Woman Was Travelling to Bengaluru With Her Cousins

According to police, the woman had arrived at Rourkela railway station with her two cousins while travelling towards Bengaluru.

The three passengers had initially planned to travel on the Hatia-Yasvantpur Express from Titlagarh. However, they reportedly boarded the wrong train and subsequently travelled to Rourkela.

They reached the station at around 9 am on Thursday and began looking for confirmed tickets for their onward journey to Bengaluru.

Police said the three were unable to secure confirmed tickets.

While the woman’s cousins went to make inquiries about ticket availability, Singh allegedly approached the woman on the platform.

Promise of Confirmed Ticket Turns Into Alleged Assault

According to the complaint and FIR, Singh allegedly told the woman that he could help arrange a confirmed ticket for her.

Believing that the railway employee could assist her with the journey, the woman allegedly followed him towards an operator room located near the Officers’ Rest House.

Police allege that Singh then took her inside the room, locked the door from the inside and sexually assaulted her.

The allegation has led to Singh’s arrest, and the police investigation is continuing.

Woman Allegedly Threatened Not to Report Incident

The FIR reportedly states that Singh allegedly threatened the woman against informing anyone about the incident.

Police also said he allegedly offered her ₹2,000 after the alleged assault.

The situation reportedly became even more frightening when Singh allegedly attempted to assault her again.

According to police, the woman managed to escape and immediately informed her cousins about what had happened.

The three then approached the Government Railway Police and lodged a complaint.

Railway Employee Arrested and Sent to Jail

Following the complaint, police arrested Singh.

Sub-inspector Kailash Munda, who arrested the accused, said the investigation was underway and that Singh had been sent to jail.

Police have also conducted medical examinations of both the accused and the woman as part of the investigation.

The woman’s statement is expected to be recorded before a magistrate, an important step in the legal process.

She has meanwhile been kept at a centre for women affected by violence in Rourkela, officials said.

Railway Department Takes Strict Action

The railway administration has also acted against the accused employee.

Senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Chaudhary said Singh had been removed from service and would not receive pensionary benefits.

The railway authorities have also assured investigators that they will provide all necessary assistance during the probe.

The departmental action comes alongside the criminal investigation being conducted by the police.

Incident Raises Questions About Passenger Safety

The case has once again highlighted the importance of passenger safety at railway stations, particularly for people travelling long distances and unfamiliar with a station’s layout.

Passengers often approach railway employees when they face difficulties with tickets, trains, platforms or other travel-related issues. The alleged incident shows how such trust can potentially be exploited.

Authorities have repeatedly advised passengers to obtain tickets and assistance only through authorised railway counters, official railway staff and verified channels.

Travellers should also be cautious when strangers or individuals claiming to be railway employees offer unusual assistance, particularly if they ask passengers to accompany them to isolated areas.

Investigation Continues

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

Statements from the woman, her cousins and other individuals who may have been present at the railway station could form an important part of the investigation. Police are also expected to examine available evidence from the station and surrounding areas as part of the probe.

The accused remains in custody as the legal process moves forward.

The allegations against Singh will ultimately be tested before the court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For the young passenger, however, what was supposed to be a journey to Bengaluru allegedly turned into a deeply traumatic experience.

The case has also prompted renewed attention to the need for stronger passenger-safety measures and greater awareness about using only authorised railway services when seeking help with tickets and travel arrangements.

News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.