Model and web series actress Antara Banerjee, 31, was arrested following an alleged violent confrontation with Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel abroad the Aravali Express. Police said the incident began after Banerjee, who was travelling to Surat for a shoot, entered a reserved AC coach despite holding a sleeper-class ticket.
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Dispute Over Reserved Seat
The incident occurred between Borivali and Dahanu between approximately 9:30 PM an and 10:50 PM on August 12. According to the FIR, a passenger asked Banerjee to leave a reserved seat. After she allegedly refused, the passenger alerted ticket collector Harikesh Tripathi, who subsequently informed the RPF.
RPF assistant sub-inspector aminikant Mishra and constable Rajesh Kumar intervened in an attempt to deal with the dispute. However, police alleged that Banerjee abused the officials and became violent during the confrontation.
According to the police account, she then allegedly undressed, produced a razor blade and injured Mishra. Police also said that Banerjee injured herself during the incident. Mishra further alleged that she damaged his uniform and mobile phone.
RPF Secures AC Coach During Incident
As the situation continues to escalate, RPF personnel secured the doors of the AC coach to prevent the incident from worsening. Police said Banerjee allegedly attempted to escape by breaking the glass before she was eventually deboarded at Dahanu railway station.
She was then handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP). The episode reportedly continued for more than an hour, leaving several passengers shaken.
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Actress Taken Into Custody
Banerjee was taken into custody by Borivali railway police the following morning. Borivali GRP inspector Kunda Gavade said eyewitness accounts suggested that the actress may have been distressed after being unable to secure an AC coach ticket.
When police asked her whether she wished to contact relatives or seek legal counsel, Banerjee reportedly refused and instead demanded that she be arrested.
“She calmed down after the FIR was registered,” Gavade said.
FIR Registered, Banerjee Released On Bail
An FIR was registered against Banerjee on August 13. Police booked her for offences including endangering safety, causing grievous harm to public servants, assault and intentional insult.
She was later served a notice and released on bail.