Assam dancer's death on train sparks safety outcry in India
The death of a 21-year-old dancer from Assam, found near railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh two days after she boarded a train alone, has triggered allegations of negligence against India's Railway Police Force and renewed questions about women's safety on long-distance trains.
Himashree Boro, a resident of Guwahati, had travelled to Visakhapatnam for a dance competition and boarded the 22503 Kanniyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek SF Express around 12:15 am on October 6. She was returning early to sit an exam. Her family says she called them shortly after boarding, saying she felt unsafe because of inebriated men in her coach. They lost contact with her around 2:30 to 3 am.
What happened to Himashree Boro?
Boro's body was recovered on Wednesday between Ponduru and Dusi railway sections in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Preliminary inquiries by the Government Railway Police (GRP) suggest she may have fallen from the running train. Her two bags were found intact inside the S-2 coach.
Her family disputes this, alleging murder and demanding a thorough investigation. A sister-in-law told journalists: “After getting on the train, she called me and another friend, and told us that she was feeling uncomfortable in the coach. There were inebriated men all around, making her feel unsafe.” Boro had shared a video of the coach interior with a friend before contact was lost.
Why is the RPF response under scrutiny?
The family says they contacted the Railway Helpline and were told the Railway Police Force (RPF) would check on her, but they never received confirmation of her safety. A complaint was lodged on the 'Rail Madad' grievance portal on October 6, citing alleged misbehaviour with a woman passenger on train 22503.
Railway authorities responded that RPF personnel at Srikakulam Road station searched the general and sleeper coaches but could not trace the passenger. It was only after reviewing CCTV footage at Visakhapatnam station that they identified Boro boarding the S-2 coach. The RPF later found an unidentified body near the tracks, which was identified as Boro's.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) statement said: “The circumstances of the incident are under inquiry. As per preliminary enquiry by GRP, Palasa, it is prima facie suspected that the deceased might have fallen from the running train.”
What is the current status of the investigation?
Both GRP Palasa and RPF Srikakulam have registered separate cases. Authorities are taking statements from passengers in the coach and from the acquaintance who dropped Boro at the station. CCTV footage from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam is being examined to identify persons involved or who may have witnessed the incident.
Local MLA Tapan Das, who visited the bereaved family, said the state government would arrange for the body's return. “Post-mortem has to be done there. After that, a flight schedule will have to be worked out as there are no direct flights to Guwahati. We are coordinating and trying to ensure that the body can be brought back at the earliest,” he said.
How are women's safety concerns being raised?
Students of B Barooah College in Guwahati, Boro's alma mater, staged a protest demanding a thorough investigation. The case has reignited public debate about the effectiveness of existing safety mechanisms on Indian Railways, including the Rail Madad portal and RPF patrols, especially for women travelling alone.
Data from India's National Crime Records Bureau shows that crimes against women on railways have been a persistent concern, with thousands of cases reported annually. While the railways have introduced measures such as CCTV surveillance and helplines, this incident highlights gaps in real-time response and passenger verification.
The NFR statement added: “Necessary help is also being rendered to the family members of the deceased. RPF authorities of NFR are also providing all possible assistance, and coordinating with the RPF and GRP authorities of South Coast Railway as well as the state police departments of Assam and Andhra Pradesh.”
The incident falls under the Visakhapatnam division of South Coast Railway, and a full inquiry is ongoing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Himashree Boro?
Himashree Boro, a 21-year-old dancer from Assam, was found dead near railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh on October 8, two days after boarding a train from Visakhapatnam. Her family alleges murder and negligence by the Railway Police Force.
Why did her family report feeling unsafe?
Boro called her family and a friend after boarding the train, saying there were inebriated men in her coach and she felt unsafe. She shared a video of the coach before losing contact around 2:30-3 am.
What is the railway's official explanation?
Railway authorities say preliminary evidence suggests Boro fell from the running train. Both GRP Palasa and RPF Srikakulam have registered cases, and an inquiry is underway, including CCTV review and passenger statements.
What safety measures are being questioned?
The case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Rail Madad grievance portal and RPF response times, as the complaint was filed on October 6 but Boro was not located in the specified coaches.