Madhubani, Bihar – Tensions flared at Madhubani railway station in Bihar as frustrated devotees bound for Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela vandalized a train after failing to board it due to overcrowding. The incident occurred when the Swatantrata Senani Express, traveling from Jainagar to New Delhi via Prayagraj, arrived at the station, already packed to capacity, as per a report by the India Today.
Videos circulating on social media show agitated passengers throwing stones at the train, shattering the glass windows of AC coaches, and forcefully attempting to enter compartments. Some passengers, including women and children, were left terrified as windows were broken right next to them.
Eyewitnesses reported that the train was so packed that even the doors could not open. As the crowd swelled on the platform, some desperate passengers tried to board through windows, while others resorted to vandalism. Many of those on board were en route to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, a major Hindu pilgrimage event that draws millions of devotees annually.
“I was traveling to Delhi with my family when suddenly, people outside started breaking windows. Everyone panicked, and our children were screaming in fear,” said Amarnath Jha, a passenger caught in the chaos.
The train was halted at the station for nearly an hour amid the turmoil. Although railway authorities later managed to restore order, no immediate repairs were made to the damaged coaches. Officials have since detained several individuals involved in the vandalism.
A similar incident was reported in Samastipur, where stones were hurled at the Swatantrata Senani Express on Thursday night as it traveled on the Muzaffarpur-Samastipur line. The attack caused panic among passengers, with windows of the pantry car and sleeper coaches shattered. Some passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital in Samastipur.
Railway police have registered a case against unknown individuals and are investigating the motive behind the attack. The train was delayed by 45 minutes due to the incident.
With thousands from Bihar’s Mithilanchal region rushing to Prayagraj for Magh Purnima, railway services have been stretched beyond capacity. Authorities struggled to manage the swelling crowds, and despite medical teams being dispatched to assist injured passengers, they were unable to navigate through the throng.
The increasing frequency of such incidents has raised concerns about security arrangements at railway stations during mass religious gatherings. While the Indian Railways has deployed additional staff and introduced special trains for the Maha Kumbh, the sheer volume of passengers continues to pose challenges.
Authorities have urged travelers to maintain order and assured that additional security measures will be implemented to prevent further disruptions.
