In a deeply disturbing incident, stones were reportedly hurled at the Tapti Ganga Express near Jalgaon station in Maharashtra on Sunday night. As per India Today, the train, traveling from Surat to Chhapra, was carrying devotees heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025. The incident occurred approximately 3 km beyond Jalgaon, damaging the windowpane of the B6 coach. Videos shared on social media by passengers highlighted the attack, with some describing it as the work of anti-Hindu elements.
Passengers onboard expressed alarm over the incident, urging railway authorities to enhance security measures. No injuries were reported, and the Jalgaon Railway Police have registered an FIR in connection with the matter. Efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the stone pelting.
Many passengers, including those traveling to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, expressed concerns over the incident. A video shared by a passenger on social media showed the extent of the damage and urged railway authorities to take steps to prevent such occurrences.
The Jalgaon Railway Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that an unidentified individual was responsible for throwing stones at the moving train, resulting in broken windows.
Authorities have assured passengers that measures are being taken to identify the culprit and prevent similar incidents in the future. Enhanced security arrangements are being planned along the train’s route to ensure the safety of travelers.
A passenger stated in a video circulating on social media. “Stones were thrown at the train by antisocial elements during the night, damaging the windowpane of the B6 coach. We urge the railway minister to ensure our safety and enhance security measures for passengers,” the individual added.
As per Lokmat Times, the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusawal, in response to the stone-pelting incident on the Tapti Ganga Express, stated that immediate action was taken by ticket-checking staff to ensure passenger safety. Only one exterior window was damaged, with the interior panel unaffected. The broken window is being repaired, and the matter is under investigation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The railway authorities expressed regret over the incident and assured swift attention to the situation.
The Tapti Ganga Express is a widely used train, especially by pilgrims visiting the Kumbh Mela, and incidents like this have raised concerns about the need for better protection for long-distance trains.
Incidents of stone pelting on trains, particularly those carrying Hindu devotees, are becoming alarmingly frequent across the country. In July 2024, a similar attack was reported on the Bhusaval-Nandurbar passenger train in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, with a case registered against unidentified Islamist miscreants. Earlier in March 2024, the Aastha Special train carrying Ram Bhakts to Ayodhya was targeted in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Such recurring acts of religious intolerance, seemingly orchestrated by extremist elements, reflect an ongoing trend of targeting Hindu pilgrim visits and celebrations.
