A constable of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Malda Town station late on Wednesday night after a number of women passengers on board a Howrah-bound train alleged that he had been passing lewd comments at them.

The women passengers also alleged that the CISF constable — whose name is being withheld — was drunk.

Sources said two Calcutta-based families were returning home by train from a vacation in Darjeeling, and were on the same sleeper coach as the CISF constable.

“The constable drank liquor on board and eventually started passing obscene remarks at the woman members of these families,” said a source.

This went on for some time, the source added, and discomfort grew.

“Around 11.30pm, when the train reached Malda Town station, these passengers burst into protests. An uproar ensued. Then, the GRP rushed to the spot and detained the constable, which was converted into an arrest,” the source said. Sources said that the arrest — for creating nuisance — was a non-bailable offence.