5 Railway cops assault deputy superintendent over train halt dispute; suspended
A dispute over stopping the Hirakund Express for an injured passenger spiralled into a dramatic confrontation between two railway departments at Uttar Pradesh's Agra Cantt
A dispute over stopping the Hirakund Express for an injured passenger spiralled into a dramatic confrontation between two railway departments at Uttar Pradesh's Agra Cantt station, with a Deputy Station Superintendent alleging that he was assaulted by Railway Protection Force personnel. The Railways has suspended five RPF personnel and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The clash unfolded during the scheduled halt of Hirakund Express and caused commotion across the station premises, drawing the attention of passengers and railway staff. Read Full Story DISPUTE OVER TRAIN HALT According to railway officials, the argument began after information was received that a passenger had been injured.
The Deputy Station Superintendent decided to keep the train at the platform to facilitate assistance to the injured passenger. The decision allegedly led to a heated argument between him and RPF personnel, which soon escalated. Eyewitnesses claimed the confrontation quickly turned physical, with officials from both departments gathering at the spot. ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS FROM BOTH SIDES The Deputy Station Superintendent has alleged that RPF personnel pushed him to the ground, assaulted him and attempted to drag him away from the station. According to the allegations, he was first knocked to the ground and beaten before being dragged by his hands. It is also alleged that RPF personnel lifted him by his arms and legs while taking him away, even as other railway officials intervened and objected, saying such action was "wrong" and "unjust".
However, RPF constable Jitendra has also accused the Deputy Station Superintendent of assault. With both sides accusing each other of physical violence, investigators are now relying on CCTV footage from the station to establish the sequence of events. FIVE RPF PERSONNEL SUSPENDED Taking serious note of the incident, the Railways constituted a three-member inquiry committee on July 12. The panel comprises the Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC), Agra Cantt, the Station Director, Agra Cantt, and the Assistant Operations Manager (AOM), Agra. Based on the preliminary findings, the Railways suspended RPF Inspector Surendra Chaudhary, ASI Meghraj Meena, ASI Balkishan, constable Jitendra and constable Badan Singh with immediate effect.
The decision was communicated by the Railway administration through its official WhatsApp media group. INQUIRY UNDER WAY The Railway administration said the inquiry committee is conducting a detailed investigation into the incident. Further departmental and legal action, if required, will be taken after the committee submits its report. The probe is expected to determine what triggered the confrontation between the two railway departments and whether any officials exceeded their authority during the incident. Ends
