Incidents of vandalism in trains going towards Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh have been reported.(X)
According to reports, passengers in Madhya Pradesh were observed throwing stones at Maha Kumbh-bound trains on Tuesday, January 28, after discovering that the wagon doors were closed.
According to officials, devotees who were en route to the Maha Kumbh hurled stones at two railway stations in the Chhatarpur district of MP after the doors of the overcrowded Prayagraj-bound trains were not opened for them. This incident was reported by the news agency PTI.
On Tuesday, social media platforms posted videos purportedly depicting individuals shouting at railway terminals in Chhatarpur and Harpalpur, according to users. Additionally, the footage depicted individuals who were attacking the doors of a train by hurling stones and attempting to force them open.
Following the disturbances at the Chhatarpur and Harpalpur railway stations, the authorities have pledged to implement more stringent security protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. According to officials, special trains were being operated to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh in response to the high demand for the Mauni Amavasya ‘amrit snan’ on January 29.
Vandalism and stone pelting in #Mahakumbh Special train going from Jhansi to Prayagraj. Live video surfaced. The reason for this is not known yet. pic.twitter.com/gXvrcadTxf
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) January 28, 2025
What statements were made by the railways and eyewitnesses regarding the vandalism?
Also, there are some eyewitness accounts of the vandalism that have been revealed. According to PTI, RK Singh, a passenger from Chhatarpur, informed the media that he was traveling to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh by taking a plunge at the Sangam.
He asserted that he was unable to enter a train bound for Prayagraj due to the closure of all doors and windows.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel opened the doors of a train at Chhatarpur after the passengers created a commotion, according to eyewitnesses. However, the train was already overcrowded, and a number of individuals were unable to embark.
Manoj Kumar Singh, the public relations officer for the Jhansi railway division, has informed them that there is a dispute regarding the loading of trains at the Chhatarpur and Harpalpur railway stations.
“In order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the Railways will implement more stringent security measures in collaboration with the administration,” he stated.
“Trains are operating continuously for Prayagraj, and special trains are also being operated as required.” He further stated that the administration anticipates passengers’ cooperation.
