Mob-lynched on a running train near Amethi over a seat dispute, Tauheed and his brothers were also attacked inflicting serious injuries
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
AMETHI — A tragic and horrifying incident unfolded aboard the Begumpura Express running from Jammu to Varanasi, on Thursday, when a fight over seats escalated into a deadly altercation, leading to the brutal death of a young man, Tauheed (24). Two of his brothers also sustained serious injuries during the scuffle.
The incident highlights the stark negligence of railway authorities and the chilling apathy of onlookers.
The incident took place when the Begumpura Express reached Nihalgarh in Lucknow. A seemingly minor dispute over seats quickly escalated into a full-blown altercation. The disagreement, which started between Tauheed and a passenger from Sultanpur, escalated to violence. According to police reports, the accused and his friends attacked Tauheed with a knife and iron rod, leading to the young man’s tragic death.
Tauheed, who was on his way back to his home in Amethi after travelling from Ambala, had no idea that a routine train journey would turn out to be his last.
A police officer described the attack as sudden and brutal: “The situation in the train spiralled out of control very quickly. Tauheed was caught in a violent attack, and before he could recover, the situation worsened.”
The violence didn’t stop with Tauheed’s tragic death. Once Tauheed was attacked, he managed to contact his family and informed them about the dispute. His brothers, Talib and Tauseef, rushed to Nihalgarh railway station, hoping to assist him. However, the assailants, along with other attackers, targeted them as well. “They were savagely beaten as soon as they arrived. It was pure chaos, and no one came to their aid,” said an eyewitness on the conditions of anonymity.
The attackers were not deterred by the presence of railway authorities. No railway police or staff intervened during the brawl. The lack of a timely response is a key aspect of the negligence that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Talib, suffering from severe injuries, was first taken to the Jagdishpur Community Health Center for immediate treatment. He was later transferred to the Lucknow Trauma Center for further medical care. Meanwhile, Tauseef received treatment at the local health center, though his condition remains serious.
One of the most troubling aspects of this tragic incident is the negligence displayed by the railway administration. The Begumpura Express, which runs from Jammu to Varanasi, has long been notorious for disputes between passengers over seating arrangements. Local passengers often harass others, with some even forcing their way into sleeper and AC coaches, disrupting the peace. Despite these recurring issues, railway authorities have failed to address the problem adequately.
“Disputes over seating happen regularly, especially on long routes, but this time it escalated to murder. The railway administration has completely neglected the safety and security of passengers,” said a railway source who wished to remain anonymous.
On that fateful day, while the altercation was taking place on the train, not a single railway security personnel responded to the emergency. “The attackers were free to carry out their violence in front of several witnesses, yet no one stepped forward to stop them. It was as if everyone was just waiting for the violence to subside,” said an outraged onlooker.
In fact, no intervention came even when Tauheed’s brothers were brutally beaten at the station. The situation was akin to a mob lynching in broad daylight, with no railway officers or passengers offering any assistance.
Following the incident, the local police acted quickly and arrested the accused attackers at Sultanpur Railway Station. Bhale Sultan Shaheed Smarak Police Station In-charge, Inspector Tanuj Pal, confirmed the arrests. “The accused youths were taken into custody by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Sultanpur Railway Station. We are investigating the matter thoroughly,” he said.
While this is a significant step, many feel that this response came too late to save Tauheed and prevent further violence. “This should never have happened in the first place,” said Ameen, a relative of the deceased, in an interview. “The authorities failed to ensure our safety, and now we are left with the burden of burying a son and brother who did nothing wrong.”
The police have confirmed that Tauheed’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and legal action is ongoing. However, for Tauheed’s family, justice seems a distant reality.
Tauheed’s family is devastated by the tragic loss. His father, Mohammad Ansar, spoke with tears in his eyes: “I cannot believe that my son, who was so full of life, has been taken from us in such a cruel manner. His only fault was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
His mother, in a sobbing voice, said, “We have lost a son, a brother, and a part of our future. He was coming home after a long time, but the railway and authorities have failed us at every step.”
The relatives of the injured brothers also expressed their frustration at the lack of support from onlookers and railway staff. “The people who saw everything happen did nothing to stop it. What kind of society are we living in when people can just watch another human being suffer?” said a cousin of Talib and Tauseef, visibly angry and helpless.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the region. Local political leaders have called for swift justice for the victim and his family. “This act of violence is unacceptable, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. We demand that the railway administration be held responsible for its negligence,” said Samajwadi Party leader Amir Hussain, who visited the family to express his solidarity.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Human Rights (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the incident and has called for an inquiry into the handling of the case by both the police and the railway authorities. “Such an incident cannot go unpunished. The state must ensure the safety and dignity of every citizen, especially when travelling on public transport,” said NHRC spokesperson Raghav Malhotra.
The incident has triggered a public outcry, with many social media users voicing their anger at the lack of accountability and the failure of the railway authorities to provide adequate security. Some passengers have called for a boycott of the Begumpura Express until proper security measures are implemented.
“This kind of violence is appalling, and it must not be tolerated. The safety of passengers should be the priority of the railway administration,” said Rina Sharma, a concerned passenger who travels regularly on the route. “We need better monitoring of trains and more effective action when incidents like these happen.”
As the investigation continues and the family mourns their loss, the question remains: How many more lives will be lost before the authorities take meaningful action to ensure the safety of passengers aboard Indian trains?