Brave Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Clerk Survives Train Attack with Courage and Community Support

In a disturbing incident on board the Sifhung Express train, a woman employee of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) was attacked at 4 am on the morning of September 17 and severely injured by a miscreant. The clerk, originally from Alipurduar, West Bengal, was returning to her post in Assam after completing her leave when she became a victim of robbery and attempted molestation.

Samiran Medhi, General Secretary, AGVB Employees Association told Kanal, “The incident occurred shortly after she boarded the Sifhung Express from Alipurduar Junction on the morning of the attack. A miscreant inside the coach attempted to snatch her mobile phone, purse, and other belongings. The situation escalated when the miscreant also tried to touch her inappropriately. Displaying remarkable bravery, the banker resisted, which led to the attacker striking her on the head with a sharp weapon, causing severe injuries.”

He further added, “Despite the trauma, the brave clerk managed to lock herself in the train’s restroom, where she later lost consciousness due to her injuries. After regaining consciousness, she attempted to exit the restroom but found the door locked from the outside.”

Image: The injured woman being rescued under treatment

Victim’s Rescue

Following the incident, the cry of the victim was heard by, Jaharuddin Miah, a daily wage worker, who quickly sprang into action and unlocked the door rescuing the injured woman near Bongaigaon station.

Displaying humanity, Jaharuddin Miah borrowed a passenger’s phone to contact the bank employee’s branch manager, informing them of the critical situation. Later he transported the injured woman to Bijni Civil Hospital, where local bankers and concerned individuals gathered for further help. Due to the severity of the injuries, she was later transferred to Lower Assam Hospital in Bongaigaon for specialised treatment.

Image: Jaharuddin Miah, the saviour of the woman standing extreme left

The officials of the bank, including regional officials and union representatives, visited their colleague.

A Gesture of Humanity 

"In a testament to the enduring power of human compassion, Jaharuddin Miah’s actions are considered as a shining example of unity amidst societal divisions. Jaharuddin’s selfless intervention affirmed that humanity transcends any divisive narratives" a member of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers Association told Kanal.

“Despite the communal hatred spread against the Miah community by the ruling class, Jaharuddin Miah proved today that humanity prevails above all,” said the union leader, emphasising the need for unity at the grassroots level. He further remarked, “No matter how much the ruling class tries to divide society by religion, the unity among the working class is deep, and that is what truly makes our country great.”

The Coordination Committee of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers and Employees Association has strongly condemned the attack and called for enhanced safety measures for women.

AGVB officials and employees are rallying behind their colleague as she recovers, with further investigations into the attack underway.