'Indian Railways is not safe': Passenger travelling to Vaishno Devi in Hemkunt Express 3AC beaten for complaining about overcharging

Time of India

08-05-2025

A YouTuber was assaulted inside a third AC coach of the
Hemkunt Express
on May 6, allegedly after he filed a complaint on the RailMadad app against pantry staff for overcharging. The Railway Seva handle confirmed a ₹5 lakh penalty on the caterer and said an FIR had been filed. The
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
(IRCTC) said the matter is under investigation. The Ministry of Railways said the case is being closely monitored and assured strict action based on the findings.
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Complaint over food prices leads to attack
Vishal Sharma, a travel vlogger, boarded the Hemkunt Express from Rishikesh to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. During the journey, he filmed himself buying a bottle of water that was not Rail Neer. He was charged ₹20 for a Wonder Aqua bottle, although IRCTC guidelines mandate Rail Neer should be sold at ₹15.
— theskindoctor13 (@theskindoctor13)
When he questioned the price, the vendor told him, 'Yahi mila hai sir (This is what we have).' Sharma also recorded other transactions, including a cup of coffee sold for ₹20 instead of the approved ₹10, and noodles sold at ₹50 instead of ₹40.
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Group confronted him at night
Following his complaint on the RailMadad app, Sharma was allegedly attacked in his coach later that night. A group of men approached him while he was on his upper berth. They repeatedly asked him to come down.
'Neeche aao. Neecho aao bula rahe hain,' the group told him. Sharma refused to step down, saying he had only filed a complaint. One man climbed up to his berth and pulled his leg while others shouted at him. Sharma recorded part of the assault on his phone. The video ends with him yelling in shock.
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He resumed recording later, showing his torn clothes and a cut sustained during the incident.
Video shared on social media
Sharma posted videos of the assault on X and YouTube, tagging railway authorities. He wrote, 'When I complained about overcharging in Train by Pantry, an attempt was made to kill me.'
Railways imposes penalty and files FIR
Responding to the post, Railway Seva said: '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.'
— RailMinIndia (@RailMinIndia)
IRCTC also responded to Sharma's post. 'Sir, it is being escalated to concerned official for necessary immediate action,' its official X handle posted.
The Ministry of Railways has taken note of the incident. Officials said the matter is under close observation and further steps will be taken once the investigation is complete.