Man rapes girl on Bombay train as commuters watch

BOMBAY - The rape of a 13-year-old girl in a suburban train in Bombay in the presence of five commuters has shocked police and raised questions over the safety of women aboard late-night trains in India's financial hub.

In the incident, which took place in the last train bound for Borivli suburb last Tuesday, drunk labourer Salim Khan allegedly assaulted the mentally-disabled girl in a second-class compartment.

The crime was witnessed by five commuters, including a Times of India journalist.

'There were five of them in the train. All they had to do was to pull the chain in the train or shout at earlier stations such as Malad and Kandivli where the train halts,' said railway police commissioner Rakesh Maria.

Journalist Ambarish Mishra said he tried to stop the rape but gave up when he was threatened.

However, he and another commuter later caught Khan at Borivli station and handed him over to railway police. --AFP

Beyond description. :( The world is so sad. 5 people watch in horror... why couldn't anyone do anything? Is this a "some other peoeple will help one lah" attitude we have in this world?