Prayagraj, August 23, 2025 – A disturbing event unfolded on the Prayagraj Express traveling from Delhi to Prayagraj on the night of August 13, 2025. A young female student, studying in Prayagraj, was allegedly molested by a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable, Ashish Gupta, while she was asleep on her reserved seat in the S-9 sleeper coach. The incident, which has sparked outrage, was recorded by the victim and has since gone viral on social media.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:45 AM between Etawah and Kanpur. The student was sleeping when Gupta, who was on escort duty, approached her and inappropriately touched her. Startled awake, she confronted him, and nearby passengers supported her. The brave young woman recorded a 51-second video where Gupta is seen begging for forgiveness, hands folded, pleading, “Please forgive me, my job is at stake.” Another woman in the coach can be heard scolding him, questioning how someone tasked with passenger safety could act so shamefully.
The victim promptly lodged a complaint via the railway helpline (139), but she declined to file a formal FIR, citing personal reasons. Based on the video and her complaint, GRP authorities acted swiftly. Superintendent of Police (SP) GRP Prayagraj, Prashant Verma, confirmed that Gupta, stationed at the Prayagraj GRP station, was suspended immediately, and a detailed investigation has been assigned to the Circle Officer, GRP Prayagraj. Further action will depend on the probe’s findings.
The video, widely shared on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, has fueled public anger, with many demanding Gupta’s arrest and stricter measures to ensure women’s safety on trains. This incident raises serious questions about passenger security, especially for women traveling alone, and puts a spotlight on the need for better oversight of on-duty personnel. The GRP has promised a thorough investigation, but for now, the episode has left a stain on the trust passengers place in those meant to protect them.
