Passenger Beaten Up in 3AC Coach After Complaint on Water Pricing, Railways Imposes ₹5 Lakh Penalty
PuneNow News Desk | Updated: May 9, 2025 – 08:06 IST
A shocking incident aboard the Hemkunt Express has ignited public outrage after a passenger was allegedly assaulted by pantry staff in his 3AC coach, hours after filing an online complaint regarding overpriced water bottles.
The incident occurred on May 7 and came to light through a viral video shared on social media. The victim captured the entire episode, including the moments leading to and during the attack on camera.
Assault After Complaint on Overpriced Water
Vishal was reportedly charged ₹20 for a bottle of Wonder Aqua water, which he claimed was not approved for sale. Upon questioning the vendor and requesting a properly branded bottle, he was curtly told, “Yahi mila, sir (This is all I have).” Disturbed by the overpricing and unapproved product, he lodged a formal complaint through the RailMadad app.
Later, Vishal received a call from railway officials, during which he explained the incident in full. However, what followed shocked many: a group of men, believed to be pantry staff, entered his 3AC coach and confronted him while he rested on his berth. Despite Vishal’s protests, one of the men climbed up and physically assaulted him, as captured in the video.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The video, initially posted on Vishal’s YouTube channel, was widely circulated after a user named The Skin Doctor shared a snippet on platform X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, Vishal can be heard saying, “I had complained because you were overcharging for water,” moments before the confrontation escalated into violence.
Vishal later claimed his clothes were torn, and he was left injured, with visible blood on his hands. The disturbing visuals have prompted widespread criticism and concern for passenger safety on Indian Railways.
The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome.
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) May 8, 2025
Railway Officials React Swiftly
Following the viral spread of the video, the Indian Railways’ official support handle Railway Seva responded on X:
“The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome.”
This strong reaction from railway authorities has somewhat reassured the public, but questions remain about the safety of whistleblowers and the accountability of catering vendors on trains.
A Wake-Up Call for Rail Safety
The incident has raised pressing concerns about passenger rights and the consequences of lodging complaints against malpractice in transit. As public discourse grows around the safety and ethical practices aboard Indian trains, this case may become a watershed moment in enforcing stricter regulations on catering and passenger grievance redressal.
