Daijiworld Media Network – Lucknow

Lucknow, Jun 24: Babina MLA Rajiv Singh Parichha has landed in controversy after a viral video showed a passenger being assaulted on the New Delhi-Bhopal Vande Bharat Express, allegedly by his supporters.

The incident took place on June 19 at Jhansi railway station and sparked outrage across social media and other platforms. In the 18-second CCTV footage, several men are seen slapping and hitting a passenger, Rajkishore, with slippers inside coach E-2 of train number 20172, while Parichha is seen standing nearby.

Reports suggest the clash arose from a dispute over seat number 49, allotted to Rajkishore. Parichha, travelling with his wife Kamli Singh and son Shreyansh Singh, had requested him to shift seats so they could sit together. When Rajkishore declined, tensions flared. Later, a group of men allegedly linked to the MLA boarded the train at Jhansi and attacked him.

In response, BJP state general secretary Govind Narayan Shukla served a show-cause notice to Parichha, terming the incident a serious breach of discipline and seeking a written explanation within seven days.

While Parichha denied any involvement, accusing the passenger of misbehaving, the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Jhansi confirmed that a non-cognizable report (NCR) was filed by the MLA. The victim, who reportedly deboarded in Bhopal, has not lodged a formal complaint and is said to be unwilling to pursue legal action.

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh minister Mukesh Nayak condemned the incident, calling it a blot on the promise of good governance and alleging that the victim was left bleeding.

The episode has raised concerns about safety aboard the Vande Bharat trains, with public and political backlash continuing to mount as the video circulates widely.