A 34-year-old woman's distress culminated in a dramatic incident near Hyderabad, where she drove her car onto a railway track in a suspected suicide attempt. The woman, identified as Vomika Soni from Lucknow, had recently lost her job at a multinational IT firm and was reportedly facing mental and financial stress following a divorce over a year ago.
On the morning of June 26, 2025, Soni visited the Narsingi police station around 6:30 am, informing officers of her intent to end her life. Before police could intervene, she abruptly left the station, leaving behind her bag, and drove to the Nagulapally railway crossing, entering the tracks. At approximately 7:04 a.m., she reached LC Gate No. 22 in Kondakall and drove her car onto the tracks near Nagulapally Railway Station. A vigilant gateman spotted the vehicle and alerted railway control and station authorities.
Soni continued driving her hatchback for nearly seven kilometers along the railway tracks between Nagulapally and Shankarpally, causing a temporary suspension of train services. The incident disrupted the operations of four passenger trains and four goods trains. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and railway staff eventually stopped her near a track switching point at Shankarpally, where her car became lodged.
Eyewitnesses reported that Soni resisted arrest, wielding an iron rod and hurling stones at officers who attempted to restrain her. Shankarpally police have registered a suo motu case against her under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of obstructing and assaulting a public servant, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt. The GRP also plans to book her under provisions of the Railway Act for endangering railway property and passenger safety.
Authorities have taken Soni into custody and provided medical and psychological support. She was initially taken to Chevella Government Hospital and later referred to Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad for further evaluation. As of June 28, 2025, she has been shifted to Yerragadda Mental Hospital for psychiatric care. Her family in Lucknow has been informed of the incident and are en route to Hyderabad.
This incident has raised concerns about the growing mental health crisis and the need for swift intervention systems. SP Chandana Deepti emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Soni's actions posed a risk not only to herself but also to railway infrastructure and passengers. Authorities are focusing on both the legal aspects and ensuring the woman receives appropriate psychological care.
