Lucknow: A video showing an especially abled man allegedly being pushed on ground by catering staff of the Vande Bharat Express has sparked outrage on social media. The incident occurred on platform number three of Charbagh railway station in Lucknow, where train 22490, running from Meerut City to Varanasi, halts for 10 minutes.The video, recorded by another passenger and circulated widely on Tuesday. In the footage, the staff member is also seen taking out his belt in a threatening manner. A voiceover in the video alleges that the argument erupted after the passenger was served a different dish instead of shahi paneer and questioned the staff over the same. The voiceover further claims the staff tried to extort money from the passenger, leading to the altercation.Following the video going viral, the Lucknow division of Northern Railway responded on social media, tagging IRCTC. In its statement, the railways said an especially abled passenger was involved in an argument with catering staff and that the concerned licensee has been warned to ensure courteous behavior towards passengers.The response, however, has done little to calm public anger.On social media, reactions were sharp. One user wrote on X, “This is shameful. How can railway staff treat a disabled passenger like this and still get away with a warning?” Another user commented, “Vande Bharat is meant to showcase world-class service. Incidents like these defeat the purpose.”Several social media users also demanded stricter action against the staff involved, calling for accountability and better sensitisation of railway service personnel, especially in dealing with vulnerable passengers.
