YouTuber Vishal Sharma had alleged that caterers aboard the Hemkunt Express tried to kill him after he filed a complaint with the IRCTC. Sharma reported that the caterers were overcharging for food and selling drinking water from a local brand. Acting swiftly on his complaint, the Railways authorities first slapped the caterers with a Rs 5 lakh fine and later terminated their contract with immediate effect after their investigation into the case was concluded.
The action comes after Sharma posted the video of his assault on X and YouTube, appealing to the Railways to take action against those involved. “When I complained about overcharging on the train by the pantry, an attempt was made to kill me,” he said.
What does the viral video show?
The video opens to show caterers selling food items at prices exceeding the rates set by the Indian IRCTC. It then shows Sharma filing a complaint through the Rail Madad app.
Railways took cognisance and responded, “Passenger has been attended, and as per the passenger, the service provider is selling local water named ‘wonder aqua’ in the train for Rs 20. Matter is apprised to the concerned authorities for suitable action.”
The video suddenly takes a shocking turn as angry caterers, against whom he had filed a complaint, confront him at his berth and physically assault him.
“Neeche aao. Neecho aao. Wo bula rahe hain [Come down, come down. They’re calling you],” the group can be heard saying on video. He, however, repeatedly refuses to comply, maintaining that he had just filed a complaint and did nothing wrong.
They then tried to pull him down, and one of them can even be seen climbing up to his berth and grabbing his leg.
The video then cuts to Sharma shirtless, visibly injured, with a gash on his body, which he sustained during the attack.
This is The Passenger Security in 3rd AC of Indian Railway #shame || When I complained about overcharging in Train by Pantry , an attempt was made to kill me 😭😭
— Mr.Vishal (@Mrvishalsharma_) May 7, 2025
Train no.14609
PNR – 2434633402@RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial @narendramodi @RailwayNorthern @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/VSNZlblHOQ
How did the Railways respond to it?
The Ministry of Railways initiated an investigation into the case and promised “stern action” based on the outcome. It also slapped the caterers with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
“The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by the GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome,” said the Ministry of Railways in a statement.
In another statement, it said that it IRCTC has terminated the contract with the caterers with immediate effect.
“After a detailed investigation into the incident involving the mishandling of a passenger on Train No 14609 Hemkunt Express by the on-board catering staff, IRCTC has terminated its catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan with immediate effect,” the statement read.