Religion – Passenger Allegedly Assaulted on Express Train in Hyderabad
Religion – A 32-year-old passenger from Maharashtra has alleged that he was attacked by a group of men aboard a long-distance express train near Hyderabad, claiming he was targeted because of his religious appearance.
Incident Reported Near Hafizpet Station
The incident took place on February 9 aboard the Sainagar Shirdi–Kakinada Port Express as it approached Hafizpet railway station in Hyderabad. The victim, identified as Imran Babu Sayyed from Latur district in Maharashtra, said he was travelling home when the confrontation unfolded inside one of the train coaches.
According to Sayyed, a group of five men allegedly confronted him during the journey. He claimed that the men began verbally harassing him before physically attacking him, citing his beard and skullcap as reasons for targeting him.
Altercation Escalates Inside Coach
Sayyed told authorities that the group had boarded the train earlier at Malakpeth station and were reportedly involved in a dispute among themselves. As the train moved toward Hafizpet, the situation intensified.
He said he approached the group after noticing a man being beaten and attempted to understand what was happening. Shortly after, he alleged, the men turned their attention toward him. He claimed that his beard was pulled, his skullcap was thrown aside, and he was repeatedly struck during the confrontation.
A video that later circulated widely on social media shows Sayyed speaking to police personnel inside the train. In the footage, he appears visibly distressed while recounting the events. He can be heard explaining that he was suddenly grabbed and assaulted without provocation.
Companion Also Reportedly Attacked
Sayyed further alleged that his friend, who intervened to stop the assault, was also beaten. He claimed that during the scuffle, his companion’s mobile phone was forcibly taken. Both men reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, with Sayyed stating that he suffered bleeding from his mouth following repeated blows.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged theft of the mobile phone and the identities of the accused were not immediately confirmed at the time of reporting. Authorities are understood to be reviewing available evidence, including the video footage, as part of the inquiry.
Investigation Underway
Railway and local police officials have initiated an investigation into the matter. Officers are working to identify the individuals involved and verify the sequence of events described by the complainant. Officials have not yet released a formal statement detailing arrests or charges.
Incidents involving alleged harassment on public transport have periodically raised concerns about passenger safety on long-distance trains. Indian Railways operates one of the world’s largest rail networks, carrying millions of passengers daily across diverse regions of the country.
Security measures on express trains typically include patrols by railway protection personnel, but enforcement can vary depending on the route and time of travel. Authorities are expected to examine whether additional surveillance or preventive measures were in place in the coach at the time of the incident.
Broader Concerns Over Passenger Safety
The case has drawn attention online following the circulation of the video clip. While investigations continue, officials have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to allow due process to take its course.
Ensuring passenger safety remains a priority for law enforcement agencies and railway authorities. Any confirmed instance of assault or communal targeting could carry serious legal consequences under existing laws.
Further updates are awaited as investigators gather statements from witnesses and review available evidence related to the February 9 incident.