YouTuber Kanika Devrani has alleged that she and her co-passengers were drugged and robbed during a train journey on the Brahmaputra mail. According to her, the incident took place when the train was halted at the New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station (NJP).
She posted a video on Instagram with the caption “Travel safe”, triggering safety concerns only about the railways. Many users have tagged the IRCTC on the matter and have urged them to look into the matter.
In a comment on the post, the YouTuber added, “I am safe guys and also I have tweeted regarding the same issue. Thank you for your concern.”
Devrani, in her video, claimed that she was travelling in the train when a stranger with a valid ticket entered the compartment. The man, according to her, interacted with few passengers while walking through the coach.
“As first-class AC tickets weren't available, I had booked a 2nd AC ticket from New Delhi to Guwahati on Brahmaputra Mail. I was of the opinion that it was all safe. The train had halted at New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal. I was asleep, and my phone was put under the charge,” she said in the video posted on Instagram.
She added, “Someone came to my berth, my phone was under my pillow, and took it. First of all, how can the railway staff let in someone unknown without a ticket? I don't know who the person is.”
Devrani also claimed that the man had a brief conversation with the passenger on the upper berth before approaching her.
“The person was asking for seat numbers. He had a conversation with a passenger who was on the upper seat above me. I think the person came and sprayed something on me, as I couldn't sense anything,” she said.
“He also stole another passenger's phone. I woke up to the noise of people talking about theft. It was then I realised my phone is nowhere to be found,” she further added.
She also claimed that police refused to help her. However, ABP Live cannot verify the authenticity of the claims independently. Take a look at the post by the YouTuber.
“The lady is presently in Guwahati. Railway Protection Force has registered her complaint, and help of the CEIR portal is being taken to trace her lost phone and nab the criminals. The entire matter is being investigated in detail and strong action will be taken to ensure recurrence of any such incident in the future,” Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northeast Frontier Railway said, according to Hindustan Times.