Actress Antara Banerjee arrested for assaulting railway personnel over seat dispute on Aravalli Express

MUMBAI — Indian model and actress Antara Banerjee was arrested by railway police following a violent confrontation with Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel aboard a train. The incident, which occurred on August 12, resulted in assault charges and a temporary detainment before the actress was released on bail.

The altercation began on the Aravalli Express while the train was traveling between Borivali and Dahanu. According to reports, the 31-year-old actress, who was traveling to Surat for a shooting assignment, held a sleeper-class ticket but attempted to occupy a seat in a reserved air-conditioned coach. When another passenger requested that she vacate the seat, the situation escalated, prompting the passenger to alert railway authorities.

RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Yaminikant Mishra and Constable Rajesh Kumar responded to the scene to mediate the dispute. Officials allege that Banerjee became aggressive toward the officers. During the confrontation, the actress reportedly removed her clothing and brandished a razor blade, threatening the RPF personnel. Police state that she used the blade to assault one of the officers, sustaining injuries herself during the struggle. Furthermore, the complaint filed by Mishra alleges that Banerjee damaged his mobile phone and uniform during the commotion.

The situation caused significant alarm among passengers, leading authorities to secure the carriage doors. Witnesses reported that Banerjee also attempted to break the train’s window glass in an effort to exit the moving vehicle. Upon the train’s arrival at Dahanu station, the actress was removed from the coach and placed into the custody of the Government Railway Police (GRP).

Law enforcement officials noted that, while in custody, Banerjee declined to contact legal counsel or family members, instead demanding that officers proceed with her arrest. Investigators believe the actress may have been experiencing significant distress due to her inability to secure a seat in the air-conditioned carriage.

Banerjee has been charged with endangering public safety, assaulting and causing grievous hurt to a government servant, and intentional provocation with intent to breach the peace. Following the formal registration of the First Information Report (FIR), she was released on bail pending further investigation.