Video: Passenger Attacked After Overcharging Complaint, Railways Sacks Vendor

Railways has terminated the services of a vendor after a travel vlogger posted a video that showed assaul by railway pantry staff on the Hemkunt Express. It said the vendor, identified as Pawan Kumar, acted in a "criminal manner" which "tarnished the image of Indian Railways". The vlogger, Vishal Sharma, claimed the incident occurred after he filed a complaint about overcharging for food and water. He captured the entire episode on video - how a group of people attacked him and tore his clothes, allegedly in retaliation for his complaint on the RailMadad app. Mr Sharma reported the staff for charging Rs 20 for a bottle of water instead of the approved price of Rs 15 for Rail Neer. He was also overcharged for coffee and noodles. 

The video shows the staff confronting him as he rested on his third-tier berth. A group of men, including one in a green polo shirt, demanded that he come down from his upper berth. The group shouted "Neeche aao, neeche aao bula rahe hain" (Come down, you're being called to come down), but Mr Sharma refused, explaining he had done nothing wrong except file a complaint about overcharging.

The situation escalated when the man in the green shirt climbed up and grabbed Mr Sharma's leg, prompting him to yell in shock as the video abruptly cuts off. After the attack, Mr Sharma resumed recording, showing injuries, including a cut, and his torn clothes. He shared the footage on social media platforms, seeking action from railway authorities regarding the assault and overcharging incident.

"This is The Passenger Security in 3rd AC of Indian Railway #shame || When I complained about overcharging in the Train by the Pantry, an attempt was made to kill me," he wrote on X. He also uploaded a longer version of the incident on YouTube. 

Watch the video here:

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 😭😭
Train no.14609
PNR - 2434633402@RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial @narendramodi @RailwayNorthern @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/VSNZlblHOQ

— Mr.Vishal (@Mrvishalsharma_) May 7, 2025

The video sparked widespread outrage online, with many demanding swift action against the perpetrators. IRCTC, a public sector undertaking responsible for online ticketing and catering on trains, soon released a notification that said the services of the vendor were terminated for five years, and the ban can be further extended for two years.

"The license may also be debarred from participating in the future projects of IRCTC after issuance of notice to the licensee," it further said.

The Indian Railways had earlier taken cognisance of the incident and imposed a Rs 5-lakh fine on the caterer.

Railway Seva wrote on X, "The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by the GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome."

The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of ₹5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome.

— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) May 8, 2025

Social media users were extremely angry with the entire incident. One user wrote, "Sir, how can passengers feel safe when such incidents happen even in 3rd AC? A pantry staff member entered and assaulted a passenger at night; this could've ended worse. Please ensure strict security on trains."

A third said, "This is an attempt to murder... Forcing a passenger to follow them in such a threatening manner on a moving train. They could have done anything." 

A fourth added, "This is so scary.... Immediate arrest and harsh punishment for each involved...Suspension of the Contractor's licence."