Desk Correspondent , Thiruvananthapuram - Two men have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint and disrobing her near Ernakulam Junction Railway station in Kochi on the night of May 5, police officials said on Friday. The accused, identified as Danish (26) from Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district and Rahul (39) from Paravoor in Kollam district, were part of a three-member gang. They approached the victim while she was chatting with her friend near a closed hotel, attacked the friend, threatened the woman with a knife, and assaulted her. The prime accused, Sanjay from Aroor in Alappuzha district, remains at large as police continue their search.

The victim managed to escape from the spot and sought help from a nearby shop, prompting immediate police intervention. She was shifted to the police station for assistance. Officials reported that the accused were heavily drunk during the incident and went into hiding afterward. A case was registered on May 6 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of rape, disrobing a woman, criminal intimidation, and robbery. The two arrested individuals were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

This incident has raised concerns over safety in the area around the busy Ernakulam Junction, a major transit hub in Kerala. Police investigations are ongoing to trace the third accused and gather further evidence. Authorities have assured strict action against those involved in such crimes, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in public spaces, especially during night hours. The case highlights persistent challenges regarding women's safety in urban centers despite various measures by law enforcement agencies.