Stone-Pelting Attacks on Vande Bharat Trains in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand Raise Security Concerns
Multiple Vande Bharat Trains Targeted in Stone-Pelting Incidents, Investigations Underway Amid Growing Safety Concerns
On Thursday, two separate stone-pelting incidents occurred on Vande Bharat trains in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, leading to damage in both trains’ coaches. One incident involved the Varanasi-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, which was attacked near Chowkaghat-Dhelwaria shortly after departing from Varanasi Junction. Stones shattered the windows of the C-5 coach. Meanwhile, the Ranchi-Patna Vande Bharat Express (train number 22350) was also attacked between Charhi and Bes stations in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, resulting in damage to the E-1 coach.
Both incidents are suspected to be the work of miscreants, though it’s unclear if they are part of a coordinated effort or coincidental. The Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) are investigating the cases to identify the culprits. This is not the first time Vande Bharat trains have faced such attacks; similar incidents have occurred in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other regions.
The growing frequency of these attacks raises concerns about passengers’ safety and the protection of public transportation infrastructure, touching on broader human rights issues related to safety, security, and accountability. Authorities must ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators are held responsible to prevent future occurrences.
