Arvind.ChauhanLucknow: Four Railway Protection Force personnel were suspended and a three-member inquiry committee was constituted following on-camera confrontation between the men in khaki and railway operating staff at Agra Cantt railway station on Sunday morning over an unscheduled halt of Hirakud Express (20808) shortly after its scheduled departure.The incident, which triggered a heated verbal exchange between RPF and station staff, also led to viral videos circulating on social media. One of the widely shared visuals showed RPF personnel carrying deputy station superintendent operating holding all four of his limbs, amid allegations of manhandling during the confrontation.According to North Central Railway, Hirakud Express arrived at Agra Cantt at 10.51 am and departed after its scheduled halt. The train stopped again immediately after leaving the platform, leading to a dispute between RPF personnel and operating staff over reason for the unscheduled halt.According to initial reports, the dispute began after RPF personnel detained a husband and wife on allegations of alarm chain pulling (ACP). The woman passenger was trying to board the train after it had started moving. The deputy SSO, noticing the situation, intervened and instructed the train manager over his walkie talkie to stop the train to ensure the passenger’s safety. A misunderstanding of the situation led to an argument between the deputy SSO and the RPF personnel.In another viral video from the station, RPF personnel were seen dragging the deputy SSO away amid protests by railway employees, escalating tension between the two departments.Taking cognisance of the incident, the Agra division of NCR formed a three-member inquiry committee.According to chief public relations officer of NCR Shivam Sharma, the railway administration has set up an inquiry of the junior administrative grade level. The panel comprises the senior divisional operations manager, senior divisional electrical engineer and senior divisional security commissioner (RPF), Agra.“The committee has been directed to complete its investigation at the earliest and submit its report to the railway administration,” added the CPRO.Based on prima facie findings, four RPF personnel. ASIs Meghraj Meena and Balkishan, and constables Jitendra and Badan Singh have been placed under suspension pending inquiry.
