Outrage as Video Shows Railway Staff Spraying Water on Sleeping Travelers, Indian Railways Responds
Outrage as Video Shows Railway Staff Spraying Water on Sleeping Travelers, Indian Railways Responds
A recent incident at Lucknow’s Charbagh station has ignited outrage on social media after a video surfaced showing railway staff spraying cold water on passengers sleeping on the platform during a severe cold wave. The footage depicts individuals, who often find themselves waiting for trains overnight, being forcibly moved by railway personnel.
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At #Lucknow’s #Charbagh railway station, passengers, some sleeping while others waiting for their trains on platforms 8 and 9 faced the insensitivity of the cleaning staff who poured water on them and that too during the cold night to wake them up.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) December 29, 2024
A video of the incident went… pic.twitter.com/7A6zRii9Xw
The incident reportedly took place last week, capturing passengers hastily collecting their belongings, including blankets, as they were asked to vacate the platform, which was subsequently cleaned by the staff.
This led to a strong backlash from many social media users, who condemned the railway staff for their insensitivity towards the vulnerable passengers. One user expressed, “It breaks my heart to see so much poverty and neglect everywhere; governments keep failing the people while politicians enrich themselves in tax havens.” Another added, “The station definitely needs cleaning, but not in this manner, especially in such freezing conditions. There’s no consideration for small children! Where are the passengers supposed to go if their trains are delayed and the waiting rooms are full?”
Some people supported the officials’ decision to clear the platform, arguing that it wasn’t an appropriate place to rest as it could disturb others. One user commented, ‘A railway platform isn’t a place to sleep. If you have a ticket, please use the waiting rooms or wait outside.’
As the debate intensified, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) from the Lucknow office released a statement, mentioning that the cleaning staff had been reprimanded and advising passengers against sleeping on the platform.
The DRM’s statement read, ‘We have issued necessary instructions to the cleaning staff and the Chief Health Inspector. Passengers are also encouraged to refrain from sleeping on the platforms. The station offers sufficient facilities, including waiting halls, dormitories, and retiring rooms, which passengers should take advantage of.’
