Harpalpur, Uttar Pradesh: A special train traveling from Jhansi to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh came under attack when agitated passengers at Harpalpur station pelted it with stones. The incident caused widespread panic among passengers as windows were shattered, and the train was damaged.
Videos circulating on social media show passengers screaming in fear as stones were thrown at the train. In one video, a passenger recounts, “The train left Jhansi for Prayagraj around 8 pm. When it reached Harpalpur, it was attacked. The windows were broken, and stones were hurled inside, endangering the lives of passengers, including women and children.”
The train, part of a special service organized to ferry devotees to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, drew large crowds. Many passengers at Harpalpur, about two hours from Jhansi, were waiting to board the train but found the compartment doors locked. Their frustration reportedly escalated into violence, with the crowd throwing stones and shattering windows.
Pushpak Sharma, in-charge of Harpalpur police station, confirmed the attack. “The train reached Harpalpur station around 2 am, and some individuals in the crowd started throwing stones at it,” he said.
Railways spokesperson Manoj Singh explained that a large number of passengers had gathered on the platform, eager to board the train. “When they found the compartment doors locked, they became agitated and created an uproar. The situation escalated into stone-pelting,” he said.
Railway police intervened quickly, dispersing the crowd and calming the situation. The train resumed its journey after a brief halt. “We appeal to passengers to remain patient and cooperate for a smooth journey to Prayagraj,” Singh added. “Special trains are being operated to accommodate the large number of visitors for the Mahakumbh, and such incidents disrupt services and jeopardize safety.”
Authorities are investigating the incident and have assured enhanced security measures at railway stations along the route to prevent a recurrence of such events.
