A 25-year-old woman’s account of being sexually assaulted inside a Mumbai local train has sparked widespread anger, solidarity, and an uncomfortable truth: even cities considered ‘safer’ are not safe enough for women. Her experience, reveals how shock, fear, and disbelief can silence victims in the moment, and how perpetrators continue to act with confidence because they expect that silence.
The incident took place on the Western line at around noon. The woman was travelling alone in a ladies’ first-class compartment from Dadar to Charni Road. At one point, there were only two women inside the coach.
“At Grant Road, a man got in at the last moment. He pretended it was an accident,” she said. Having faced harassment in the past, she initially chose not to react. “I assumed it was unintentional, so neither of us said anything.”
The situation escalated when the train halted between stations.
“I had my earphones on and was watching something, but I was still hyper-aware,” she recalled. “Suddenly, I heard him scream to get my attention.” When she looked up, she realised the man was masturbating, staring directly at her.
“I froze. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t scream. It was happening in broad daylight, in this city. My mind just shut down.”
The other woman in the compartment sensed that something was wrong but could not see clearly what was happening.
When the train finally moved, the survivor slowly stood up and walked towards the exit, focused only on getting away.
“At the station, I saw two policemen. I couldn’t even speak. I just pointed inside the train and walked away,” she said. Moments later, the shock hit. “I broke down outside the station, crying, shaking, completely lost.”
It was only later that she realised the consequences of her silence. “Without me explaining, the policemen would have just seen a man sitting inside. They wouldn’t have known what he did.”
Like many survivors, she struggled with guilt after the incident. “I’ve always been strong and independent. I hate how I handled this,” she wrote. “I wish I had screamed, hit him, or at least told the police properly. Instead, I sat there like a scared child.”
Experts note that freezing is a common trauma response, but perpetrators continue because they rely on this very fear and shock.
A day later, unsure if there was “any point anymore”, the woman reached out online for help. Someone assisted her in filing a complaint digitally. Soon after, an officer from Mumbai Police contacted her to gather details.
“Contrary to my expectations, everyone has been kind and patient,” she said. “All I wanted was increased safety measures and for more women to be vigilant.”
“I don’t blame anyone but myself,” she added, “but I hope other women scream, ask for help, and don’t freeze the way I did.”
Her story is not just a recounting of trauma; it is a warning, a plea, and a reminder that women’s safety cannot rely on reputation alone. Cities are only as safe as the systems that protect women when things go wrong.
If something like this happens to you on a local train or any public transport, you can still report it, even later.
Even delayed complaints matter. They help authorities identify patterns and increase surveillance.
Save these numbers on your phone. They can make a crucial difference.
Under Indian law, acts such as indecent exposure and sexual harassment are punishable offences. You have the right to:
Public transport authorities, including Indian Railways, are obligated to ensure passenger safety.
Women deserve to travel without fear. Until that becomes reality, vigilance, collective outrage, and institutional responsibility remain non-negotiable.
If you have experienced something similar, you can share your story with us at [email protected].
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
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