Indian Railways probes viral video of passenger performing puja with lit lamp in AC coach
A video circulated on social media shows a passenger lighting an oil lamp and incense sticks while performing a puja on the upper berth of an AC train coach. Fellow travellers warned the individual that an open flame could endanger safety and trigger the coach's smoke detectors, which are linked to an automatic emergency‑braking system.
Indian Railways opened an inquiry to identify the passenger, train number, travel date and PNR after the clip went viral. The Railway Ministry has recently amended the Railways Act, mandating a minimum fine of Rs 10,000 and up to one‑year imprisonment for carrying prohibited or inflammable items on trains. Officials have asked the public to provide incident details through the Railway Seva portal.
The incident has sparked a social‑media debate over religious practices versus passenger safety, with many calling for stricter enforcement of the prohibition on open flames inside train coaches.
Entities: Indian Railways · Jharkhand Rail Users · Ministry of Railways · Ministry of Railways (India) · Railway Seva · Unnamed passenger · senior railway official
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Violating the prohibition on open flames on trains can result in a fine of at least Rs 10,000 and up to one year imprisonment. (Railways Act amendment.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Fellow passengers warned the individual that lighting an open flame could endanger safety and trigger smoke detectors. (Recorded audio in the video.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The incident sparked a social‑media debate about religious practices versus passenger safety. (Public commentary on social platforms.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] AC train coaches are equipped with automated smoke detectors that can activate the emergency braking system. (Technical description from railway officials.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Railway officials asked the public to provide the incident’s date, train number and PNR to aid the investigation. (Requests posted on the Railway Seva portal.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Indian Railways has launched an inquiry to identify the passenger, train and date of the incident. (Railway officials' statements.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A video shows a passenger performing puja with a lit oil lamp and incense sticks inside an AC train coach. (Video circulating on social media.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Railways amended the Railways Act to impose a minimum fine of ₹10,000 for carrying prohibited or inflammable items on trains. (supporting_article_ids)