Vande Bharat Executive Coach Passenger Assaulted: In a shocking episode on board the high-speed Vande Bharat Express. A passenger in the executive coach from Delhi to Bhopal was reportedly attacked by 7–8 men allegedly following BJP MLA Rajeev Singh from Babina constituency of Uttar Pradesh. The attackers are said to be the MLA’s supporters. This has triggered serious doubts about the safety of passengers, particularly in premium train travel.
The fight, as per eyewitnesses, began when MLA Rajeev Singh got on the train at Jhansi with his wife and son. The legislator was seated at number 8 in the E-2 executive coach. Whereas his wife Kamli Singh and son Shreyansh Singh took seat numbers 50 and 51. A verbal dispute allegedly arose between the MLA’s group and a fellow passenger soon after boarding, and before long, it turned physical.
Travelling passengers and railway personnel onboard have claimed that the victim was being harassed. And pushed around by a group of men that were seemingly with the MLA, according to the report. They claim the victim was attacked in front of other passengers in the coach. Causing panic and commotion in the coach. Some of the passengers attempted to intervene, while others reported the information to the railway authorities .
At this point, the exact reason for the altercation has yet to be determined, but initial reports raises the theory that it could have occurred due to a struggle over seating or disrespect towards the MLA and his family.
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The event has already been reported to the railway authorities as well as the Government Railway Police (GRP). The authorities in Jhansi have opened and inquiry to obtain CCTV footage of the coach and platform . It is likely that the victim will be making a complaint or FIR. Which will prompt procedures from the police and judicial action..
The incident has led to an outburst of anger on social media, with most demanding severe action against the culprits. Irrespective of their political affiliations. The critics point out that VIP culture and abuse of political power have no room in a public transport system that guarantees equality and comfort to everyone.
As the probe continues, the accident is a stark reminder that security and responsibility need to be an over-riding concern, even in India’s best train services.