Jhansi/Bhopal, June 20, 2025 – In a troubling incident aboard the Delhi – Bhopal Vande Bharat Express today, a seated passenger, identified as Raj Prakash, was physically assaulted after refusing to switch seats with BJP MLA Rajiv Singh Pariksha from Babina (Jhansi constituency, Uttar Pradesh). The confrontation escalated when a group of men – allegedly the MLA’s supporters – boarded the train at Jhansi station and brutally attacked Raj Prakash, who was occupying a window seat.
What Happened
Initial Disagreement
MLA Rajiv Singh Pariksha boarded coach E‑2 of the Vande Bharat with his wife and son. While his allocated seat was number 8, Raj Prakash was seated in seat 49, a window seat across from seat 50–51, occupied by the MLA’s family. When Pariksha requested Raj Prakash to relocate so his family could sit together, the request was refused.
Violent Escalation
As the train arrived at Jhansi station, a group of approximately 5–7 men entered the coach and brutally assaulted Raj Prakash punching and kicking him, resulting in a fractured nose and profuse bleeding. Other passengers describe the attacker count as up to 15–20.
MLA’s Response
In response, MLA Pariksha released a video statement claiming Raj Prakash and another passenger were sitting improperly with stretched legs and eating in a manner that inconvenienced his family. He conveyed he politely requested them to adjust and then moved away to avoid confrontation later filing a Non‑Cognizable Report (NCR) at Jhansi GRP station against the other passengers.
Passenger & Bystander Reactions
A former Madhya Pradesh minister traveling in the same coach posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that outsiders identified as “goons” entered and attacked Raj Prakash despite police presence, with some officers reportedly complicit or standing by during the violence.
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Key Details at a Glance
Aspect Details
Train Vande Bharat Express, Delhi → Bhopal
Coach E‑2 (executive class)
Alleged MLA Rajiv Singh Pariksha (BJP, Babina)
Passenger Injured Raj Prakash (seat 49), sustained nose fracture
Attack Location Jhansi railway station (as train halted)
Number of Assailants Approximately 5–20, estimates vary
Accountability & Official Responses
Despite the gravity of the incident, it appears no immediate FIR has been registered against the assailants or the MLA. Rajiv Singh Pariksha’s NCR reportedly names only Raj Prakash and another passenger. Meanwhile, eyewitness accounts and observations from fellow travelers suggest possible police inaction during the attack. Victims and passengers are demanding impartial investigations and action “irrespective of political influence.”
Why It Matters
Abuse of Authority: The episode centers on whether an elected official abused his position to coerce a private citizen—and allegedly deployed followers—to enforce his will.
Train Security & Law Enforcement: The failure of on-site railway security and law enforcement to prevent or quash the assault raises pressing questions about passenger safety, even on premium services like Vande Bharat.
Political Fallout: With both the victim’s injury and disputed allegations, the incident risks becoming a flashpoint, potentially scrutinizing the MLA, party affiliations, and structural accountability within law enforcement.
What to Watch
1. FIR Update — Will Investigators register charges against the attackers and/or the MLA?
2. Medical Assessment — Will Raj Prakash require further treatment or legal redress?
3. Political & Public Response — Will BJP issue a statement or initiate action against MLA Pariksha? What will the opposition and civil society demand?
4. Railway Security Measures — Are any emergency protocols or security recommendations being updated to prevent future incidents?
Bottom Line
There’s credible reporting that a BJP MLA’s supporters assaulted a passenger on the Vande Bharat Express at Jhansi for refusing to surrender a seat. The passenger, Raj Prakash, suffered a broken nose, and details from social media and eyewitnesses suggest a troubling misuse of political power and security lapses. The unfolding legal and political response will determine whether such acts go unpunished or prompt a systemic re-evaluation of security and accountability on India’s flagship trains.
Stay tuned for updates: We’ll track developments on the FIR, MLA’s statements, railway board responses, and any legal proceedings.
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