RPF arrests a minor in Madhubani train vandalism case

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested a minor in the vandalism case registered regarding the attack on the Swatantrata Senani Express at Madhubani railway station earlier this month.

Some unruly passengers had damaged 73 glass windows of the AC coaches of Train Number 12561 Swatantrata Senani Express, heading from Bihar’s Jaynagar to New Delhi via Prayagraj on February 10. Passengers waiting at Madhubani, many of whom were heading for the Maha Kumbh, complained that those who had boarded at Jaynagar had locked the doors and windows of the AC coaches to prevent them from boarding, which had led to the vandalism of the train.

“This created a panic and chaos amongst the railway passengers. Miscreants took advantage of the fact that there was no RPF or GRP post at Madhubani. After committing the act of causing damage to Railways property, the miscreants fled,” a railway spokesperson said. 

Juvenile culprit expresses remorse

During enquiry by the special team, information was gathered from sources and through technical evidence, resulting in the identification and arrest of a juvenile, who was found to be involved in the incident. “He has confessed his involvement in the incident and expressed remorse. The enquiry into the case is actively under progress to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in other similar incidents of vandalism,” the spokesperson said. 

RPF East Central Railway has registered a case under Sections 145(b), 146, 153 & 174(a) of the Railways Act at the RPF post in Darbhanga. “A special team of RPF was constituted to identify the culprits,” the spokesperson added. 

Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 says that anyone who endangers the safety of a person travelling on the railways can be punished with up to five years in prison. This includes obstructing or attempting to obstruct railway rolling stock. Section 174(a) of the Railways Act, 1989 covers the offense of obstructing a train or other rolling stock. The penalty for an offense under Section 174(a) is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to ₹2,000, or both.