World · South & Central Asia · 5 hrs ago
Police investigate Assam student’s death after she fell from a train
Assam student Himashree Boro was found dead beside railway tracks in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on 7 October.
She had boarded the Vivek Express while travelling home to Guwahati for an exam after taking part in a dance event in Visakhapatnam.
The train was crowded, and she was near a carriage doorway because she could not get a seat.
Her family says she called to say she felt afraid, while police say messages to a friend described crowding and discomfort but did not establish that anyone had harassed her.
A post-mortem found no evidence of physical or sexual violence, according to police.
Investigators have not determined whether she fell accidentally or for another reason and are contacting passengers, a process that may take time.
The case matters because her family and Assam’s chief minister have called for a full investigation into what happened on the train.
Assam student Himashri Boro was found dead beside railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on 7 October.
She had boarded the Vivek Express to travel from Visakhapatnam towards Guwahati, where she was due to take an exam.
Her family said she called to report that men were drinking in her coach and that she felt afraid.
Police say the post-mortem found no evidence of physical or sexual violence, but they are investigating whether she fell from the train accidentally or died for another reason.
- Who
- Himashri Boro, a 20-year-old student from Assam.
- What
- She was found dead beside railway tracks after travelling on the Vivek Express. Police are investigating whether she fell from the train accidentally or for another reason.
- When
- She boarded the train on the night of 6 October and was found on 7 October.
- Where
- Her body was found near Penubarthi village in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- She was travelling home to take an exam.
Himashri Boro's family
Andhra Pradesh police
Account of the journey
Himashri Boro's family
Her family said she called to report that men were drinking in her coach and that she felt afraid.
Andhra Pradesh police
Police said she had messaged a friend that the crowded train left her without a seat and feeling uncomfortable; they rejected claims that she complained of being harassed.
Cause of death
Himashri Boro's family
Her family sought a full investigation after her death.
Andhra Pradesh police
Police said they were still investigating whether she fell accidentally or whether another cause was involved.
Boro tried to get a ticket to Guwahati but, according to the Srikakulam police chief, could not get a reservation.
She boarded the Vivek Express, which was delayed, to travel towards Guwahati.
Her family tried calling her but received no answer, according to the BBC report.
Her body was found beside the railway tracks near Penubarthi village in Srikakulam district.
- Age
- 20
- Train
- Vivek Express, running between Kanyakumari and Dibrugarh
- Body found
- 7 October, near Penubarthi village, Srikakulam district
- Post-mortem
- No evidence of physical or sexual violence, according to police
- Investigating agencies
- Andhra Pradesh and Assam police
3 sources
What people are saying
We have to find out whether she fell accidentally from the train or whether there was some other reason.
My mind also has the same question. Whether she fell accidentally or was subjected to harassment, someone should have reported it.
Posts on X
We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Himashri Bodo. My heartfelt condolences to her family in this hour of grief. Today, I have written to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw ji and Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri @ncbn garu, requesting a thorough investigation