‘Train Nuisance’ Video: Highlighting ‘Delayed’ Action, Says Woman Passenger After RPF Pulls Her Up

A female passenger, who also serves as the Rajasthan AAP women's wing president, posted a video online showing three men causing a disturbance on a train. She claims that despite her reporting the incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) took too long to respond.

Delayed Action by RPF

Gayatri Bishnoi stated that she posted the video to prevent the matter from being covered up later. She emphasized the need to raise awareness about how the RPF's delayed response put many female passengers in danger. Bishnoi further noted the lack of RPF personnel on numerous trains.

RPF's Response

In a statement, the RPF acknowledged the absence of a jawan on the Jhalawar City to Shri Ganganagar Express train. However, the force expressed displeasure over Bishnoi posting the video after the offenders had been apprehended. The RPF asserted that it had responded swiftly and effectively to address the distressing situation.

The Incident

Bishnoi posted a video on Twitter at 2:14 am on November 20 while traveling on the train. She alleged that three individuals were consuming alcohol, abusing one another and other passengers, and causing a disturbance in the 2AC coach. She further claimed that there were no RPF personnel on board, and when she complained to the police with the assistance of traveling ticket examiners (TTEs), the RPF arrived approximately an hour later.

Bishnoi described how the unruly behavior began around 11:40 pm and how she searched for RPF personnel in other compartments but found none. Two TTEs eventually assisted her in filing a complaint with the police. In the meantime, other passengers managed to control the unruly travelers.

According to Bishnoi, the complaint was made 20 to 30 minutes before the train's arrival at Makrana Junction. However, no one came to arrest the offenders when the train stopped there. After nearly 30 minutes, when the train reached the next station, Degana, a constable arrived and apprehended the three individuals.

Bishnoi also alleged that the offenders threatened her with death and verbally abused other female passengers on the train.

RPF's Justification

In its statement, the RPF acknowledged the shortage of personnel as approximately 5,000 had been temporarily assigned to election duties. Despite this challenge, the force maintained that it responded swiftly and effectively to the situation.

According to the RPF, the complaint was received through Rail Madad at 00:17 hrs, and the RPF Kota Division contacted the complainant at 00:26 hrs. The complaint was then promptly forwarded to Jodhpur Division at 00:30 hrs.

The RPF stated that despite the train departing Makrana Junction station at 00:28 hrs, Bishnoi was promptly attended to upon the train's arrival at Degana at 01:02 hrs. The three offenders were deboarded at Degana station, and legal proceedings were initiated against them under the provisions of the Railway Act.

The RPF emphasized that the quick and effective response at the next stoppage of the train and the apprehension of the culprits demonstrated its dedication to ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for railway passengers.

The incident highlights the importance of prompt action by the RPF in response to passenger complaints. The RPF's acknowledgment of the shortage of personnel due to election duties underscores the need for adequate resources to maintain passenger safety on trains.