New Delhi: A Muslim woman was reportedly molested and her husband assaulted during a train journey from New Delhi to Aligarh, raising concerns about communal violence and passenger safety on public transport.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident unfolded on a passenger train shortly after departure from Delhi, when a group identified as Hindutva extremists allegedly began harassing the woman. When her husband intervened, the situation escalated as the group turned violent, subjecting him to verbal abuse with communal slurs and physical assault.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the couple, aged 22, were targeted based on their attire and Muslim identity. Despite the couple’s repeated requests for assistance, only a few passengers intervened, highlighting a lack of collective action among the commuters.

Upon arrival in Aligarh, the couple reported the incident to the Government Railway Police, who registered a case against the accused individuals. However, in a surprising turn of events, the police arrested the husband despite the woman’s allegations against the attackers. It was only after relatives protested against the police’s actions that the husband was released and a formal complaint was filed at the Aligarh GRP police station.

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, with community leaders and activists calling for immediate justice and enhanced safety measures for women and minorities on public transport. The attack underscores ongoing concerns about communal polarisation and the need for effective safety protocols on trains and in other public spaces. Authorities face increasing pressure to respond decisively to these challenges to restore public confidence in railway safety.