Taipei: The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has indicted a man for sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman in the main hall of Taipei Main Station on October 9. The incident has raised concerns about public safety at one of the city's busiest transit hubs.

According to Focus Taiwan, the man, identified by the surname Chiu, was apprehended on the same day following a police report that he had dragged a visibly intoxicated woman to a wall in the station's main hall and was sexually assaulting her. The Railway Police Bureau responded promptly to the report and arrested Chiu at the scene.

Chiu, who was already a fugitive wanted for two counts of theft, initially confessed to the rape during police questioning. However, he later recanted his confession during the investigation and demonstrated no remorse, as stated by the prosecutors. He now faces charges of rape, with prosecutors seeking a seven-year prison sentence, both as punishment and a deterrent to others.

A statement issued by prosecutors on Tuesday detailed that Chiu had been drinking and socializing with the woman and several homeless individuals on the east side of the station hall on the afternoon of October 9. After the homeless group departed, the woman collapsed, apparently due to intoxication. Chiu allegedly took advantage of the situation by dragging her to a wall and engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse.

The swift response by railway police led to Chiu's arrest at approximately 3:37 p.m., shortly after the assault was reported. The indictment against Chiu also includes charges of public indecency and exploiting an unconscious individual.

According to non-official sources, the woman involved in the incident was a visitor to Taiwan.