A student traveling through Pune railway station has lodged a formal complaint alleging that Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel assaulted him, causing a perforated eardrum. The incident, captured on video, shows the young man being struck by an RPF officer before he collapses, clutching his ear.
The student, whose identity has not been disclosed, says the assault occurred after a routine security check turned confrontational. He claims the officer used excessive force, resulting in immediate pain, hearing loss and the need for emergency medical attention. Hospital records confirm a tympanic membrane rupture, and doctors have recommended surgery to restore hearing.
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In response, the student has demanded that an FIR be registered against the officer, that the personnel involved be suspended pending investigation, and that all CCTV footage from the station be preserved as evidence. He is also seeking compensation for medical expenses, the cost of surgery, loss of academic time, and the alleged long‑term impact on his career prospects.
The Railway Protection Force has not yet issued an official statement, but senior RPF officials in Pune have indicated that an internal inquiry will be launched. The station’s management has pledged to cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies and to provide the requested video recordings. Meanwhile, local student groups have rallied on social media, calling for accountability and stricter oversight of security personnel at railway hubs.
Legal experts note that under the Indian Penal Code, assault causing bodily injury can attract up to three years imprisonment, and the victim’s demand for an FIR is crucial for criminal proceedings. The case also raises broader concerns about the conduct of RPF staff, who have faced criticism in recent years for alleged misuse of authority.
