LUCKNOW: Four Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been suspended and a three member inquiry committee has been constituted following on camera confrontation between men in khakee and railway operating staff at Agra Cantt railway station on Sunday morning, after 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 (Dy SSO) while holding all four of his limbs, amid allegations of manhandling during the confrontation.According to North Central Railway (NCR), Hirakud Express arrived at Agra Cantt at 10.51 am and departed after its scheduled halt. However, the train stopped again immediately after leaving the platform, leading to a dispute between RPF personnel and operating staff over the 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 Dy SSO, noticing the situation, intervened and instructed the train manager over his walkie talkie to stop the train to ensure the passenger’s safety. However, due to misunderstanding of the situation, it led to an argument between the Dy SSO and the RPF personnel.In another viral video from the station, RPF personnel were seen dragging the Deputy SS away while railway employees protested, escalating tensions between the two departments.Taking immediate cognisance of the incident, the Agra division of NCR ordered a three member inquiry committee comprising the assistant security commissioner (ASC), Agra Cantt, assistant divisional electrical engineer (ADEE/OP), Agra, and assistant operations manager (AOM), Agra, to conduct an investigation.Based on prima facie findings, four RPF personnel. ASIs Meghraj Meena and Balkishan, and constables Jitendra and Badan Singh. have been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending the outcome of the inquiry.Chief Public Relations Officer of NCR Shivam Sharma said the railway administration acted promptly after videos of the incident surfaced, showing RPF personnel allegedly misbehaving with the station official. Further departmental action will be taken in accordance with railway rules after the committee submits its report.
