A West Japan Railway Co executive accused of molesting a 17-year-old high-school girl on a JR train has apparently committed suicide by hanging himself in a public park in Osaka.

The body of Hidehiko Kinbira, 56, who heads JR West’s Kobe office based in Hyogo Prefecture, was discovered hanging by his neck in a public toilet located inside Nagai Park at around 9 p.m. on Dec 25, police said. Near his body were six sealed letters addressed to family members and his employer.

According to a Fuji TV report, officers from Tennoji Police Station took Kinbira into custody on Dec 21 for allegedly molesting a female high school student on the Hanwa Line between Bishoen and Tennoji stations. Kinbira had reportedly denied the allegations, claiming that any physical contact with the girl had been unintentional. However, a 24-year-old male office worker who had helped to detain Kinbira on the train confirmed the allegations against Kinbira.

As the train arrived at Tennoji Station Kinbira fled from the scene and was shortly thereafter caught by a station employee, Fuji TV reported. The victim told police that Kinbira had molested her on the Hanwa Line on multiple occasions over the last few years.

Kinbira was arrested following the event, but later released. He was reported missing by his family on Christmas morning and his body discovered later that day.

© Japan Today