Chaos on Sangam Express: Farmer Leaders Seize AC Coach, Passengers Allege Smoking and Drinking

Hapur/Rambabu Mittal: The Sangam Express, en route to Prayagraj, witnessed a major disruption when some farmer union activists forcibly occupied the AC coaches, prompting chaos among passengers. The incident unfolded after the activists boarded the train from Meerut and allegedly took over reserved seats, smoked beedis and cigarettes, and consumed alcohol inside the coach.

The situation escalated quickly, drawing complaints from passengers, and the matter reached Hapur Railway Station, where the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police intervened.

Incident Details

According to officials, the activists were traveling to attend a convention in Prayagraj. They allegedly ignored their reserved seating and forcibly occupied passengers’ reserved AC seats. Passengers claimed that the smoke from beedis and cigarettes, combined with alcohol consumption, created an unsafe environment.

Upon receiving complaints, the RPF in-charge Rakesh Kumar Yadav and Hapur Police rushed to the AC coach as the train stopped at Hapur station. A heated confrontation ensued between the farmer activists and law enforcement, but the police maintained control of the situation.

Activists Shifted to Sleeper and General Coaches

After a tense stand-off, authorities relocated all the farmer activists to sleeper and general coaches, restoring order in the AC compartment. Passengers expressed relief, while some demanded stricter action from railway authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.

Rakesh Kumar Yadav emphasized that passenger safety and comfort are paramount, and any violation of railway rules would not be tolerated under any circumstances.