In the early hours of this morning, November 3, an alarming incident unfolded on the Vande Bharat Express train as it made its journey from Delhi to Kanpur. The train was subjected to a reckless attack when stones were thrown at it, resulting in damage to a window pane. This disturbing event took place at approximately 7:12 AM, just as the train passed Kamalpur station in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Notably, on board during this incident was Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, who later shared his account of the unsettling experience.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Azad vividly recounted the frightening moment when the attack occurred. He noted that, as the train was moving away from Kamalpur station, some individuals identified as antisocial elements threw stones from outside the train. The projectile struck a window near a passenger who was sitting two seats ahead of Azad, shattering the glass and creating an atmosphere of panic and confusion. Azad expressed his shock and dismay over this reckless act, emphasizing the potential dangers posed to innocent passengers.
In his post, Azad highlighted the troubling trend of such incidents, referencing a report that indicated that the number of stone-throwing incidents had reached a staggering total of 1,503 in the year 2022 alone. This alarming statistic reflects not only the growing frequency of these attacks but also the significant financial losses incurred by the Indian Railways, amounting to crores of rupees. He posed a crucial question, urging society to reflect on why such acts of vandalism continue to occur repeatedly. The Bhim Army chief pointed out that throwing stones at trains inflicts damage not only to railway property but can also lead to catastrophic outcomes for passengers, underlining the severity of the situation.
Azad urged citizens to recognize the Indian Railways as a vital national asset that deserves protection and respect. He asserted that safeguarding this public infrastructure is a collective responsibility that falls upon all citizens of the country. “Such acts in society not only create a feeling of insecurity but also harm the image of our country,” he stated, calling for a greater sense of civic duty and awareness among the populace.
Following the incident, Azad provided additional details in an interview. He explained that, in light of the attack, he was moved from his original coach, C-3, to a different one, C-14, for his safety and well-being. He recounted the immediate concern that gripped him and his security personnel upon hearing the news. In a display of responsibility, he swiftly contacted his security team to ascertain whether other coaches had been targeted during the attack. Fortunately, after a thorough check, it was confirmed that none of the other bogies were affected, allowing some relief amidst the chaos.
Azad's harrowing experience serves to highlight a broader and ongoing issue of violence and vandalism on trains, which poses serious challenges for both the safety of passengers and the operational integrity of railway services. These incidents not only endanger lives but also place immense pressure on rail authorities to enhance security measures and ensure the protection of public transport systems. As discussions around safety and security continue, incidents like these underscore the urgent need for effective strategies to prevent such acts of vandalism and to foster a culture of respect and responsibility among travelers.
