A travel vlogger, Vishal Sharma, was allegedly assaulted by railway pantry staff after he filed a complaint about overcharging for food items and packaged drinking water. Sharma was traveling on the Hemkunt Express (Train No. 14609).
A video was posted on the micro-blogging platform X by @Mrvishalsharma with the caption, "This is The Passenger Security in 3rd AC of Indian Railway #shame When I complained about overcharging in Train by Pantry , an attempt was made to kill me." He also wrote his PNR number and train number.
In the video, the passenger, traveling in 3rd AC, asks for a different brand of packaged drinking water. The pantry staff responds, "Yehi mila," which translates to "We have only this." Sharma then tells him to keep the ₹15 bottle as well, after which the pantry staff murmurs something and walks away.
The vlogger then shows the bottle to the viewers and reads the label aloud: "Wavy Wonder Aqua."
He then says, "This water isn't good for the body, but a thirsty traveler drinks it anyway—and even that is being sold for ₹20."
Later in the video, Sharma highlights another instance of overcharging: a cup of coffee, which is supposed to be sold at ₹10 as per the standard pricing set by Indian Railways, is being sold at double the rate.
Next in the video, Sharma claims that a pack of instant noodles, which typically costs around ₹40, is being sold for ₹50.
Vlogger Files Complaint
Sharma then files a complaint through the Railways app and receives a response. The message reads: "Closing Remarks by Railways: Passenger has been attended and, as per the passenger, the service provider is selling local water named Wonder Aqua in the train for ₹20. The matter has been apprised to the concerned authorities for suitable action."
The video then shows the lights turned off as Sharma lies on his upper berth. A pantry staff member can be heard repeatedly asking him to come down, stating that someone from the control room has come to meet him.
After multiple calls, the staff member switches the lights on. At this point, it becomes evident that there are a total of three pantry staff present. Then one of the pantry staff starts pulling Sharma's leg, while the other continues to call him down. Then the staff who was indulging in dialogue with Sharma asks his colleague to pull him down.
Sharma continues to respond, "Maine sirf complaint kari thi," which roughly translates to "I had just filed a complaint."
Hearing the commotion, fellow passengers urge the pantry staff not to escalate the matter, noting that a baby is sleeping. However, their request goes unheard. The pantry staff then climbs up to Sharma's seat and begins assaulting him.
The video then shows, Sharma sitting shirtless with blood on his hand. He further questions the safety of passenger traveling from Indian Railways.
Railways Reacts To The Post
In his 28-minute vlog, uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sharma shows that he got off at Kathua railway station in Jammu & Kashmir at 4:40 AM and reached out to the police. However, he claims in the video that the police did not co-operate with him in filing an FIR.
He also stated that he did not receive adequate assistance when he called the railway helpline. His vlog has received more than 72,000 views and more than 2,000 comments in less than 5 hours.
You may also like
'Pakistan started lying as soon as it was born': Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on claims 'Indian jets shot down' during Op Sindoor
Ruben Amorim's programme notes speak volumes about make-or-break Europa League tie
Kate Middleton and King Charles send 'royal reminder' with subtle moves amid Harry drama
Royal forced to cancel all engagements due to illness
"Trying to wash its hands off", Foreign Secy Vikram Misri highlights Pakistan's involvement in terrorism