Railway clerk saves life of woman with slashed neck at Dockyard station

The man is seen slitting the woman’s throat in a screengrab of a CCTV camera footage

Thanks to an alert and quick-thinking ticket booking clerk, a woman, whose throat was slit by an unidentified man at Dockyard railway station, has survived. Velmurugan Gopal Konar administered first aid to the woman and then rushed her to hospital. The incident took place on platform number 2 on January 1. CCTV camera footage shows the woman, who had a child with her, and a man sitting and chatting. Moments later, the man stood up and walked behind the woman as she remained seated. He took out a pocket knife, held her head and slit her throat, and fled.

Velmurugan Gopal Konar, ticket booking clerk

Senior booking clerk Velmurugan Gopal Konar, who was on the platform for his dinner break around 8.40-9 pm, saw the woman soaked in blood and crying for help. He rushed towards her, administered first aid, then took her to JJ hospital in a taxi. He was accompanied by a team of Railway Protection Force and the Maharashtra Security Force. Speaking to mid-day, Konar said that he was happy that he was able to save her life. "I just wanted to save her, as we could not have left her bleeding. The woman, thankfully, is out of danger now."

"Konar's timely decision of taking the victim to the hospital saved a life. In recognition of his exemplary dedication, devotion to his duty, sincerity in saving a life, he should be appreciated for ensuring public safety and wellness, and making the commercial department and Indian Railways proud," said Venu Nair, general secretary of National Railway Mazdoor Union. "Saving a life is the biggest contribution to humankind. We sincerely appreciate the presence of mind and timely action shown by Konar," Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said.