Kalyan, India – In a shocking incident that underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures at railway stations, a female ticket clerk was brutally assaulted by a passenger at the Kalyan railway station on Friday afternoon. The clerk, identified as Roshni Patil, was working at her post when the altercation erupted over a dispute regarding holiday money. According to authorities, 35-year-old Ansar Shaikh approached the ticket counter to purchase a local ticket. During the transaction, Patil requested that Shaikh provide the necessary allowance to expedite the ticket issuance.
This seemingly routine request quickly escalated into a heated verbal argument over the payment. Eyewitnesses reported that Shaikh, in a fit of rage, forcefully entered the ticket hall where Patil was stationed, hurling insults and physically assaulting her with a blunt object known as thoshabukka and lathabukka. Alone and unable to defend herself, Patil was knocked unconscious during the violent confrontation. Colleagues rushed to her aid after learning of the incident, promptly taking her to the railway hospital for medical attention. Tragically, during the assault, Patil's gold necklace was reported stolen.
Senior Police Inspector Pandhari Kande from the Kalyan Lohmarg Police Station confirmed the details of the incident and noted that Shaikh has since been apprehended. A formal case has been registered against him, highlighting the serious nature of the assault. This alarming event has reignited discussions regarding the lack of security for ticket clerks, who often face the ire of frustrated passengers. In response to this incident, ticket clerks at Kalyan railway station staged a brief strike, demanding immediate implementation of safety measures to protect them while they work. They are urging government officials to prioritize their safety and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The attack on Roshni Patil serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by railway staff in India, and the pressing need for systemic changes to safeguard those who serve the public. As the investigation continues, the railway community hopes for swift action to enhance security protocols and prevent further violence against employees.