Vasai: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognisance of the assault on a 20-year-old woman at Naigaon railway station and directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The commission has also called for a fair and time-bound investigation into the incident.On November 4, the woman was allegedly molested and pushed in front of a local train at Naigaon railway station. She lost her left arm below the elbow in the incident.NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has directed the police to provide details of the legal action taken against the arrested accused and ensure that CCTV footage and other evidence related to the case are preserved. The commission has also sought comprehensive medical treatment, psychological support, long-term rehabilitation and adequate compensation for the victim. It has further asked the authorities to review security arrangements at railway stations and in local trains to ensure the safety of women commuters.Meanwhile, political leaders have accused the Bhayandar railway police of delaying the registration of the case and attempting to suppress the incident by initially invoking less serious charges.Former MLA and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi president Hitendra Thakur alleged that despite the woman losing her arm in the attack on November 4, police registered a case only for molestation on November 6. He questioned why the attempt to murder charge was not invoked initially.MNS Mira-Bhayandar assembly constituency chief Sachin Pophale alleged that the victim’s brother approached them after the police failed to take appropriate action. Following their intervention and questioning of the police, the attempt to murder charge was added on November 11, he claimed.However, senior inspector Ganpat Tumbada of Bhayandar railway police denied allegations of negligence. He said sections related to molestation and grievous hurt were initially invoked. The attempt to murder charge was added after the police received the official medical report from the hospital.The accused, Jitendra Hirmukhe (53), is currently in judicial custody. Police will seek court permission to take his custody again for further investigation. Investigators will probe whether he deliberately pushed the woman in front of the train, collect additional evidence and record statements of eyewitnesses, Tumbada said.
