New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) — YouTuber Kanika Devrani has alleged that she and several co-passengers were drugged and robbed onboard the Brahmaputra Mail train while it was halted at New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station (NJP). The incident, according to her, took place inside the 2AC coach, sparking concerns over railway passenger safety and prompting an official investigation.
🎥 What Did She Say?
In a video shared on Instagram, Kanika captioned, “Travel safe,” and stated:
“I am safe guys and also I have tweeted regarding the same issue. Thank you for your concern.”
In the clip, she claims a stranger without a ticket entered the AC coach and interacted with passengers. Soon after, she blacked out, and when she regained consciousness, her iPhone kept under her pillow was missing. A co-passenger, who reportedly went through a similar experience, also lost his phone.
She further claimed someone later called her mother from the stolen phone posing as an RPF officer and asked for the device password. According to her, local police refused to assist when she reported the incident.
🚨 Railway Response:
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, confirmed that:
“The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has registered her complaint. CEIR portal assistance is being used to trace the lost phone. A thorough investigation is underway and strict action will be taken to prevent future incidents.”
Kanika is currently in Guwahati, and authorities are coordinating with her.
🌐 Social Media Outrage:
The video quickly went viral, generating concern and frustration online. Here’s how people responded:
- “Thank God you’re safe. @IRCTC, how is this possible in 2AC? Is this the safety you provide, especially for women?”
- “This video needs to be seen by everyone who travels alone. Stay alert.”
- “Indian Railways must act decisively after such a serious breach.”
- “Didi, khayal rakho apna (Take care, sister).”
📌 Background:
The Brahmaputra Mail is a long-distance train connecting Assam and Delhi, known for heavy passenger traffic. Incidents of robbery, especially involving sedatives or impersonators, have raised serious questions about on-train security measures, particularly in higher-class coaches.