A freight train passing through Uttar Pradesh has come under scrutiny after the driver deboarded to ‘buy cigarettes’. Videos of the incident have since gone viral and shows the loco pilot stepping out of the train at Malkan railway crossing. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media — with railway authorities subsequently launching a probe. Officials however suggest that the halt was triggered by possible signal issues.
Footage recorded by locals shows the train slowing down to a halt as the driver climbs down the steps and walks away. Multiple news reports cited locals to explain that the driver had stopped the train for nearly 10 minutes in order to purchase cigarettes. According to a Navbharat Times report citing bystanders, this was a frequent occurrence for the freight train that was causing ‘daily problems’ for the public. They added that the train would sometimes remain stationary for extended periods of time — blocking traffic on the road.
Inquiry launched
According to reports, the incident took place near Raebareili on December 17. Railway authorities have initiated a probe into the matter. Reports citing Unchahar Station Superintendent Vinod Kumar Tripathi added that the goods train stops due to lack of signal at the crossing before being sent off after some time. Officials said they had no information about the driver possibly stopping the goods train to buy cigarettes at this time.
Man pushes woman out of running local train in Mumbai
A separate incident from Mumbai came to light on Monday — with a 50-year-old man arrested for pushing a teenage student from a running local train in Navi Mumbai. She had been assaulted after protesting his unauthorised boarding of a coach reserved for women. The man had panicked as female passengers raised an alarm and asked him to alight from the train and pushed the 18-year-old onto the tracks. A potential tragedy was averted after she was quickly pulled aside by some workers.