A police constable’s quick thinking and brave action narrowly averted a potentially fatal accident at a railway station when he saved a passenger who had slipped while trying to board a moving train.

The incident occurred at Cuttack Railway Station in Odisha, Eastern India, on June 5.

Visuals from the scene show a moving train as a passenger carrying a handbag attempts to board. Just as he grabs the handle, his feet slip on the platform, causing him to dangle dangerously by the train’s door while being dragged along. In a split second, the alert constable spots the incident and rushes in, swiftly pulling the man away from the edge, rescuing him just moments before he could be pulled under the train.

According to reports, on Thursday morning, the quick reflexes and bravery of a police constable, Tulu Behera, saved the life of a 44-year-old passenger, Md Mujahir, who slipped while attempting to board a moving train.

The incident took place at 8:05 a.m. when the passenger, hailing from a resident of Mirzapur in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, tried to board Train No. 22503 (Kanyakumari–Dibrugarh Express) en route to Kishanganj. During the attempt, he lost his balance and nearly fell into the gap between the moving train and the platform.

On duty at the station, the constable, Tulu Behera, immediately noticed the danger and rushed forward to grab the man’s hands, pulling him to safety just moments before disaster could have struck. This courageous act has been widely praised by the senior police officials.

The state’s Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, has announced a cash reward of $29 (₹2,500) for the constable in recognition of his exemplary courage and service. The Additional Director General (ADG) of Coastal Security and Railways, Arun Bothra, also commended the officer for his presence of mind and quick response.

The police department described the incident as a shining example of dedication to public safety and vigilance.