Bettiah: Passengers on the Muzaffarpur-Porbandar Express narrowly escaped injury after anti-social elements pelted stones at the train near Bettiah in Bihar on June 30. The incident occurred shortly after the train, number 19270, departed from Bettiah station on the Muzaffarpur-Gorakhpur rail section.
The attack, carried out from close range, completely shattered the window glass of coach B-4, with stones falling onto passenger seats and sparking panic inside the AC coach. Many passengers, including a bank officer travelling to Jaipur with twelve family members, hid under seats out of fear.
The train, which had departed Muzaffarpur Junction at 3.15 pm, was halted at Narkatiaganj station following the incident. Railway staff and mechanics carried out temporary repairs using tape before the train continued its journey. Passengers reported an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, with many leaving their seats to seek safety elsewhere in the coach.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has taken statements from passengers at Narkatiaganj Junction and is reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible. Narkatiaganj RPF post commander Rituraj Kashyap confirmed that action will be taken soon.
“This incident could have led to a major accident,” said one passenger, emphasising that such attacks not only endanger lives but also undermine public trust in railway safety. Passengers have demanded strict action against the perpetrators to prevent future attacks of this nature.
