A routine railway journey descended into violence on Wednesday morning, as a dispute over boarding turned into a full-blown physical altercation on the Varanasi-Lucknow Intercity Express. The incident, which occurred while the train was stationed at Amethi railway station in Uttar Pradesh, was captured in a 19-second video that has since sparked widespread outrage online.
What Happened on the Train?
The clash reportedly erupted around 8:30 am on December 24, 2025. According to accounts, the initial argument was triggered by issues related to boarding and seat availability. The situation rapidly deteriorated, with a group of young men beginning to exchange punches and kicks inside the crowded coach. The viral footage shows panic ensuing as other passengers, including women, were caught in the scuffle and pleaded for the violence to stop.
In a distressing moment audible in the clip, a woman is heard shouting, "Hum logo ko kaahe maar rahe ho?" (Why are you hitting us?), highlighting how bystanders and uninvolved travellers were directly affected by the brawl. The video depicts fellow commuters standing by helplessly as the chaos unfolded, raising immediate questions about the mechanisms for passenger safety and intervention on busy train routes.
Official Response and Investigation
The authorities were alerted to the incident primarily after the video began circulating on social media platforms. Farid Khan, the in-charge of the Government Railway Police (GRP) outpost at Amethi railway station, confirmed that they learned about the fight from the online clip.
In response to the growing public concern, the official railway helpline account, RailwaySeva, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the matter had been "escalated to the concerned official" for necessary action. The Superintendent of Police for the GRP added that the GRP Police Station in Pratapgarh is actively working to identify the individuals involved in the brawl using the viral video evidence.
"Necessary action will be taken based on the written complaint," the SP stated, indicating that the formal legal process is underway.
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
The viral video has ignited a fierce debate on social media about passenger security and civic behaviour on India's railways. Users have heavily criticised the apparent failure to ensure a safe environment for travellers, with many pointing to a decline in public decorum.
One social media user commented on the lack of civic sense and unity, while another expressed a more philosophical concern, writing, "This has become the new normal in 'New India'—anger everywhere, empathy nowhere… When outrage replaces reason and hostility becomes routine, it’s social decay being marketed as confidence."
The incident on the Varanasi-Lucknow Express serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining order and safety on one of the world's largest and busiest rail networks. It underscores the urgent need for:
- Enhanced surveillance and prompt response mechanisms from railway security forces.
- Clear protocols for de-escalating conflicts among passengers.
- Public awareness campaigns promoting respectful travel behaviour.
As the GRP investigation continues to identify the culprits, the event has left a lasting impression on the public consciousness, fuelling demands for more accountable and proactive measures to prevent such alarming episodes in the future.
