Train operations in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district were thrown into disarray after a woman drove her SUV onto active railway tracks near Shankarpally, resulting in the diversion of multiple passenger trains and sparking alarm among railway officials and bystanders.

The 34-year-old woman, reportedly from Uttar Pradesh, was seen in viral footage navigating her Kia Sonet along the railway line. One of the clips, lasting just over ten seconds, showed the vehicle moving steadily on the tracks, while other videos captured the frantic efforts by locals, railway personnel, and police to bring the situation under control.

In one of the videos, as she was forcibly removed from the car and restrained by the crowd, the woman could be heard shouting in Hindi, “open my hands.”

“Zero cooperation” from driver, say officials

Describing the struggle to halt the vehicle, according to a report from NDTV, “Several railway staff and police personnel ran behind the car. They managed to make her stop the car. Some 20 people were needed to bring her out of the car. There was zero cooperation from her.”

The woman, dressed in black and wearing a mask at the time, reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities and required physical restraint. Her actions prompted widespread panic, especially as train services were suspended or redirected as a precaution.

Mental health and motive under investigation

Authorities believe the woman may be suffering from psychological distress. Chandana Deepti, Superintendent of Police (Railway Police), stated that a preliminary inquiry suggests she had previously worked for a multinational corporation.

“A preliminary probe into the matter revealed she worked with a multi-national company until recently. She is from Uttar Pradesh,” Deepti said.

“We have recovered her driving licence and PAN card from the vehicle,” she added.

Officials are also considering whether the act was part of a suicide attempt. “Efforts are underway to ascertain if the woman was planning to die by suicide and portray the incident as a murder,” the SP further noted.

Train operations hit; probe underway

Due to the risky presence of a vehicle on the tracks, the railways rerouted 10 to 15 trains, including a major service between Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The woman was taken into custody and is currently under investigation.

Authorities are now trying to determine how she accessed the restricted area and whether there was any premeditated intention behind the incident.