Kannur: A nursing student from Kottayam was molested aboard the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Maveli Express on Friday. The suspect, 53-year-old Dharmarajan from Kannur, broke his leg after trying to flee by jumping from the train. He was later arrested at a hospital.

The assault happened in the general coach of Maveli Express (16604), which left Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday morning. 

The accused abused the girl while the train was travelling between Thalassery and Kannur. When the woman questioned his action, Dharmarajan pulled the safety chain and jumped from the train near Edakkad. He initially received treatment at a hospital in Vadakara before heading to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

A photograph taken by the victim during the altercation helped authorities identify and arrest Dharmarajan. Following her complaint, a special team led by Kannur RPF Inspector J. Varghese and Railway Police SI P. Vijesh initiated the investigation that led to his arrest.