Stone pelting hits Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat; window damaged in Bihar
A window on the Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express was damaged after a stone-pelting incident near Bihta in Bihar. A case has been registered and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage as they intensify patrols.
Key takeaways
- Stone pelting damaged a window on the Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express near Bihta, Bihar.
- Railway Protection Force filed a case under Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 against unidentified individuals.
- CCTV footage is being collected and examined; joint RPF-GRP patrols have been intensified in the area.
What Happened
The Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express experienced damage to a window when stones were pelleted at or near Bihta station in Bihar. The incident occurred around 6:40 am on August 23, 2026, and targeted Coach C-6 of Train No. 22345. The event took place within the Danapur Division of the East Central Railway (ECR). Following the act, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel arrived at the scene and lodged a case against unidentified individuals under Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989. Authorities indicated that CCTV footage from the train and surrounding area is being collected and reviewed as part of the investigation. In response, joint patrols by the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been increased in the affected zone to deter similar incidents.
The incident is framed by rail authorities as a criminal offense under the Railways Act, with potential legal consequences for those involved. Railway officials referenced broader actions against stone-pelting, noting that the ministry has warned of strict legal action including criminal cases and arrests under applicable laws.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights ongoing safety concerns on long-distance trains and the enforcement framework used by Indian Railways to deter stone-pelting. The case illustrates immediate police response, investigation through CCTV, and preventative patrol enhancements. Officials have tied such incidents to wider enforcement measures under the Railways Act and related provisions to protect passengers and railway property.
Background
Railways have previously reported significant stone-pelting activity across the network, with public statements indicating a rigid legal stance and active arrests in past cases. The current investigation follows earlier alerts and public commitments to take stringent action against offenders.
Key Facts
- Date and time: August 23, 2026, around 6:40 am
- Train: Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express, Train No. 22345
- Location: near Bihta station, Bihar; within Danapur Division of East Central Railway (ECR)
- Damage: window of Coach C-6 damaged
- Case: registered by Railway Protection Force (RPF) against unidentified persons
- Legal basis: Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 (stone-pelting as offense)
- Investigation steps: CCTV footage to be obtained and examined
- Police cooperation: joint patrolling by RPF and GRP intensified in the area
- Context: railways have previously reported stone-pelting cases and emphasised strict action including arrests
- Related data: in January, 1,698 stone-pelting cases were reported across Indian Railways between July and December 2025, with 665 arrests
What Happens Next
Authorities will continue reviewing CCTV material and identifying those responsible. The RPF and GRP patrols will likely remain heightened in the area while the investigation progresses, and any confirmed suspects could face legal action under the Railways Act and related provisions.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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