Thiruvananthapuram, 10 Nov (H.S.): A young woman was allegedly sexually assaulted aboard the Malabar Express and subsequently physically attacked at Pettah railway station in Thiruvananthapuram after she confronted the accused over his behaviour.

Police took into custody Vijeesh, a resident of Attingal, following the incident, which occurred during the early morning hours.

According to the woman's complaint, the accused initially subjected her to inappropriate physical contact while she was travelling on the Malabar Express.

She initially ignored the incident, assuming that the contact was accidental because of the crowd inside the train. However, when the harassment continued, another passenger intervened and pulled the accused away by his collar.

The situation escalated when the woman alighted at Pettah railway station.

The accused allegedly followed her onto the platform and made obscene gestures. When she questioned his conduct and warned that she would lodge a police complaint, he allegedly became aggressive and verbally abused her.

The woman alleged that Vijeesh then punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground.

She further claimed that the accused pushed her onto the platform and attempted to kick her before other passengers intervened and restrained him.

According to her statement, the accused also threatened to kill her during the confrontation.

Recounting the ordeal, the woman said she initially believed the physical contact inside the train was accidental but realised she was being deliberately harassed when the behaviour continued.

Passengers and others present at the railway station rushed to her assistance, overpowered the accused and handed him over to the Railway Police.

Police subsequently registered a case against Vijeesh, invoking several charges, including attempted murder.

The incident has raised concerns about women's safety aboard trains and at railway stations, particularly during early morning travel.

Further investigation into the incident is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman