Days after BJP issues notice, UP MLA denies role in assault on fellow passenger in train

Time of India

5 hours ago

Jhansi: Days after a passenger was severely thrashed by a dozen people onboard the premium Vande Bharat Express in its executive class at Jhansi railway station, allegedly at the behest of Babina MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha, the BJP legislator presented his side of the story at a press conference on Thursday.
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Talking to the media, Parichha said that it was a very unfortunate incident, but he was not directly involved in instigating the attack. Referring to the entire CCTV video footage of the journey, he said, "I was with my family and requested the person to exchange the seat, which he declined. I then went to order some food for my family, for which I made a call after going to the lobby. Suddenly, the same person approached me and tried to pick up a quarrel.
He was soon joined by his colleague, who was also travelling with him. Both of them continuously tried to instigate me by pointing their fingers at me and towards my family, but I still kept calm. My gunner tried to intervene, and the duo threatened him also."
Parichha further said that he lodged an online complaint and asked for further security, fearing some further backlash. When asked whether the attackers were his men, Parichha said that his security guard called his people to attend to him as they feared some possible further verbal or physical attack.
"I had the least inclination of how they suddenly got into the coach and started thrashing the man, and by the time I tried to stop it, it was all over.
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After the video of the attack went viral, the BJP on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the two-time Babina (Jhansi) MLA. The party has sought an explanation within seven days for conduct deemed "indiscipline" that tarnished its image.
The assault sparked fury online, with X users decrying the misuse of power on India's premium train.
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Govind Narayan Shukla, BJP state unit general secretary, issued the notice, warning of "strict action" if Parichha's explanation, due at the party's state headquarters, is unsatisfactory.
Claiming that some people were trying to tarnish his image, Parichha on Thursday said, "BJP is a party of discipline, and I am a disciplined worker of the party. I denounce the attack as an unfortunate event and have asked the GRP to take all legal actions against those involved in the attack.
I even called up the person concerned and talked to him while resolving the issue."
The incident unfolded on the evening of June 19 on the Bhopal-bound Vande Bharat Express in coach E2. A passenger (name withheld), occupying berth 49, was allegedly pressured by Parichha, who was travelling with his wife, son, and a security guard, to swap berth 8, allotted to the MLA. This led to an argument.
When the train reached Jhansi station, around a dozen people stormed the coach and started thrashing the occupant repeatedly, leaving him with a bloodied nose and bloodstained clothes. The matter went viral on social media, with strong criticisms pouring in from all over.