A concerning incident was reported on Thursday when stones were pelted at the Varanasi-Meerut Vande Bharat Express in Uttar Pradesh. The train was passing through the Hardoi district when an object hit the window of Coach C-4, shattering the glass. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was traveling in the same coach at the time of the incident. Railway officials confirmed the damage but stated that no passengers, including the RSS Chief, sustained any injuries.
What are the details of the incident?
The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, between 3:20 PM and 3:30 PM. The train, number 22489, was moving between Chandmari and Kaudha stations near Kauda village. According to official reports, the stone hit the windowpane of Coach C-4. Mohan Bhagwat was seated on seat numbers 60 and 61 in this specific coach while returning from a meeting in Lucknow.
Security agencies immediately took note of the situation. The train continued its journey towards Meerut and Delhi after a brief inspection. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police have prioritized the investigation due to the presence of a high-profile passenger.
Who is responsible and what action is being taken?
Initial investigations by the police indicate that a group of children aged between 8 and 13 were playing cricket near the railway tracks. Police suspect that the stone might have been thrown accidentally or as a prank during their game. An FIR has been registered against unknown persons under the Railway Act.
- Investigation: Police are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning locals in the Kauda village area to understand the exact sequence of events.
- Penalty: Under the Railway Act, stone pelting is a punishable offense that can lead to a jail term of up to 5 years.
- Awareness: Authorities are launching awareness drives in nearby villages to educate residents about the dangers and legal consequences of such acts.