A travel agent and vlogger based in Delhi alleged that he was molested by an "RPF officer" while travelling on the Donyi Polo Express train's sleeper coach from Guwahati to Rangapara North Junction in Assam on April 25. The incident was brought to attention after Deepak Samal shared a video on Instagram discussing the ordeal. Following this incident, the prevailing question on my mind is: who can truly feel secure in this country, and are our legitimate protectors now also a cause for concern?
Delhi Travel Vlogger Says 'RPF Officer' Molested Him In Train
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Deepak Samal was aboard the Donyi Polo Express on April 25, 2024 when the incident occurred. Recounting the ordeal, Samal described how an RPF officer woke him up with a flashlight for a routine check. As his destination was approaching, Samal enquired about the station's proximity. However, the officer proceeded to sit on his berth and interrogate him about his identity, occupation, and destination.
Samal positioned his backpack on the berth, leaving little space, and causing the officer to sit close by. Initially attributing the physical contact to the tight space, Samal soon realised the officer was intentionally pressing against him. Despite protesting, the officer persisted, eventually groping him. When confronted, the officer dismissed his actions as "time pass."
After disembarking at Rangpara, Samal documented the incident and filed a complaint with Railway Madad, the official grievance redressal mechanism of Indian Railways.
Learning that an RPF officer reportedly did something like this is disturbing. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability individuals face, even in environments where protection is expected.
We got in touch with Siddharth Chandrashekhar - Advocate and Legal Counsel, Bombay High Court and Supreme Courtwho said, “The allegations merit a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities. Molestation is a criminal offense under Indian law, punishable under Section 354 & 354A of the Indian Penal Code, and the victim here is well within her right to seek justice as well as compensation. More so because the alleged perpetrator in question is a public servant. Prompt action is essential to ensure the safety of passengers and uphold the rule of law as well as the faith of the general public in the RPF.”
Are We Not Safe Even Under Legitimate Protectors?
This isn't the first time we've heard about someone in a position of authority being involved in such a shameful incident. Recently, as per an Indian Express report, the UP police arrested a police sub-inspector accused of sexually assaulting a woman over three years. The accused, Mukesh Kumar, was supposed to be the woman's protector as he was the investigating officer in a case she filed in 2020, alleging harassment by her husband and in-laws over dowry. It's deeply troubling that someone trusted to protect would betray that trust in such a horrific way.
In May 2023, a head constable with the Uttar Pradesh police was suspended following allegations of stalking and harassing a schoolgirl in the Sadar locality of Lucknow. The suspension came after a video surfaced on social media showing the accused policeman, Shahdat Ali, reportedly following and intimidating the girl. In the viral video, Shahdat Ali, dressed in a khaki uniform and riding a two-wheeler, can be seen trailing a schoolgirl on a bicycle. When confronted, Ali claimed his vehicle was electric and did not have a registration number. The woman filming the incident accused him of regularly stalking girls in the area.
UP police constable 'Shahadat Khan' was arrested and FIR was lodged under molestation and #pocsoact
— Ganesh (Modi ka Parivar) (@Ganesh00242004) May 3, 2023
For past some days, the constable was continuously following and harrasing school girls.
The constable is posted in UP-112 helpline in #Lucknow. He has been Suspended. pic.twitter.com/GdmpO4Jz00
The recent case of the RPF officer allegedly molesting a passenger is disturbing, not just because it involved a boy but because it raises significant concerns about the safety (women safety rights) of individuals in our nation. In such troubling times, it begs the question of where victims can seek refuge if those in positions of authority are the perpetrators of such acts.
Siddharth Chandrashekhar also said, “Victims of molestation far too often face challenges in reporting such incidents due to fear, stigma, and the complexities of legal procedures.”
In response to incidents of authority figures misusing their power, such as law enforcement officers, there is an urgent need for the implementation of robust legal frameworks to ensure accountability and deter further misconduct. Siddharth said, “We already have laws in place but it is just as imperative for our society to create a supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to come forward and seek justice without fear of retaliation or judgment. Additionally, providing adequate resources and support services for survivors is essential in addressing a fundamental issue of gender-based violence.”
Moreover, there should be provisions for impartial oversight and thorough investigation of complaints to uphold transparency and fairness in the adjudication process.
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