In a deeply disturbing event, a travel vlogger was allegedly attacked by pantry staff while travelling on the Hemkunt Express (Train No. 14609) recently. He took to social media platform X to share a video where the staff members came to the man’s berth and asked him to step away because he had filed a complaint against overpriced water bottles. When he refused, they got on his berth and assaulted him.
Man Complains About Water Overcharging, Gets Attacked By Pantry Staff
Travel vlogger Vishal Sharma was allegedly assaulted by Indian Railways pantry staff after he filed a complaint about overcharging for food items and packaged drinking water. In the caption of the post, he said, “This is The Passenger Security in 3rd AC of Indian Railway #shame || When I complained about overcharging in the Train by Pantry, an attempt was made to kill me.”
The video has now amassed 3.4 million views. In it, Vishal can be seen showing how he had to pay ₹20 for ‘Wavy Wonder Aqua’ water bottle. Even though the packed water bottle wasn’t up to the mark and was overpriced, he had to buy it because there were no other options available. Further into the video, he also recorded how a cup of coffee was overcharged and served for ₹20, which is double the standard pricing set by Indian Railways. Also, a pack of instant noodles, which cost around ₹40, was sold for ₹50. Vishal filed a complaint about this on Indian Railways’ online portal.
The video then shifts to show Vishal lying on the upper berth at night. Soon, a man approached him and asked him to come down. When he refused, the lights of the coach were turned on. A group of pantry staff members were seen aggressively asking him to get down. The situation escalated. The pantry staff were seen climbing on the upper berth and attacking the man for filing a complaint. The video ends with Vishal sitting shirtless as his t-shirt was torn during the altercation, and scratches on his hand.
Indian Railways has responded to the post. They shared that a penalty of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer of the train. An FIR has also been filed by GRP, Kathua. They reassured that the matter is “under strict watch” and “stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome.”
Also Read: Kolkata Metro: 22 More Trains To Operate On Joka-Majerhat Route; Wait Time To Reduce To 22 Mins
Internet Reacts To The Incident
As you can imagine, netizens were enraged after the video of the man getting attacked by Indian Railway pantry staff went viral. Thousands of people commented on the post. They shared their concern for Vishal and advised him to file an official complaint against the staff members for their horrible behaviour. Netizens unanimously showed support as well. They asked for updates and tagged all the concerned authorities to take action against the people seen bullying the man.
Also Read: Sealdah-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Route, Ticket Price & All About This Upcoming Train
This is very concerning. We hope that the Railway authorities take strict action against the pantry staff as well for their behaviour. Share your two cents about this whole incident in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Mrvishalsharma_
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