HYDERABAD: In a dramatic and alarming incident early Thursday morning, a 34-year-old woman reportedly battling severe mental distress drove her hatchback for nearly seven kilometres along railway tracks near Hyderabad, triggering a temporary halt in train services between Nagulapally and Shankarpally stations.
The woman, a former IT professional from Lucknow, had earlier visited the Narsingi police station around 6:30 am and informed officers that she intended to end her life. Before police could intervene, she left the station abruptly—leaving behind her bag—and drove to the Nagulapally railway crossing, where she entered the tracks.
According to Government Railway Police (GRP), the woman had recently lost her job at a multinational IT firm and had been living alone in Puppalaguda following a divorce over a year ago. “She was reportedly upset after not receiving the support she expected from her family when she expressed a desire to join the armed forces,” said a Vikarabad GRP officer.
Violent Confrontation on Tracks
The vehicle was finally intercepted near a track switching point at Shankarpally, where it became lodged. When railway staff approached, the woman—wearing a face mask—emerged wielding an iron rod and began hurling stones, injuring officers who tried to restrain her.
“She resisted fiercely, throwing stones at our constables and using abusive language,” said Shankarpally inspector K. Srinivas Goud. “She also obstructed us while being taken to Chevella hospital later.”
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and railway staff eventually subdued her and handed her over to Shankarpally police. She was later shifted to Osmania General Hospital for a medical evaluation.
Legal Action Initiated
Police have registered a suo motu case against the woman under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of obstructing and assaulting a public servant, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt. The GRP also plans to book her under provisions of the Railway Act for endangering railway property and passenger safety.
“Her actions not only posed a risk to herself but also to railway infrastructure and passengers,” said GRP Superintendent of Police Chandana Deepti. “Initial findings suggest a suicide attempt. The investigation is ongoing.”
Train Traffic Halted for Over an Hour
Train operations between Nagulapally and Shankarpally were suspended from 7:10 am to 8:15 am. “Once the car was removed and the woman taken into custody, our engineering team inspected the tracks and cleared them for service,” said a South Central Railway spokesperson. The disruption delayed four passenger trains and four goods trains.
Authorities have contacted the woman’s family in Lucknow, who are en route to Hyderabad. Officials say they are focusing on both the legal aspects and ensuring the woman receives appropriate psychological care.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing mental health crisis and the urgent need for intervention systems that can respond swiftly when individuals display signs of emotional distress.
