Vande Bharat scuffle: BJP MLA says supporters' behaviour 'unfortunate'
Jhansi (UP) (PTI): BJP's Babina MLA Rajeev Singh on Thursday clarified his stand on the May 19 incident aboard the Vande Bharat Express, stating that a "misunderstanding" with fellow passengers escalated unnecessarily and that the altercation by his supporters in Jhansi was "unfortunate and unintended".
Addressing a press conference, the MLA said he was travelling with his wife and children from Delhi to Jhansi when he "politely requested" a passenger to swap seats so the family could sit together.
According to the MLA, the passenger and his companion responded rudely and threatened him. He claimed video evidence now supports his version of events.
The Uttar Pradesh unit of the BJP, on June 22, issued a show-cause notice to the party MLA in connection with the episode. The BJP had sought a reply from the legislator within seven days.
According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the altercation occurred on June 19 on the Delhi-Bhopal Vande Bharat Express, allegedly over changing seats and objectionable sitting posture inside the train.
The situation escalated at Jhansi station, where a passenger was allegedly assaulted by some individuals linked to the ruling party MLA.
On Thursday, Singh reiterated that he had filed a non-cognisable report (NCR) with the GRP that same evening after the encounter.
He added that during the train journey, he had also sought assistance via the Rail Madad helpline, citing safety concerns.
Later, when the train reached Jhansi, some of his local supporters, informed by his security personnel, allegedly assaulted one of the passengers. The MLA said this was done "in over-enthusiasm" and without his approval.
He stated that he later apologised to the passengers, who accepted his regret and acknowledged the misunderstanding.
The incident has drawn political reactions, with some opposition leaders and a former IPS officer demanding action. However, the passenger involved has not filed a formal complaint, and the matter is currently under police investigation.
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Three youths bludgeon 40-year-old man to death with brick in Baghpat
Baghpat (UP) (PTI): Police said on Saturday that three youths allegedly bludgeoned a man to death with a brick in Meetli village here following a late-night beer party.
Preliminary investigations suggest the dispute arose from a suspected illicit relationship, said police, adding that the three accused have been detained.
Police received information on Saturday morning that the body of Sonu (40), a resident of Dola village, was lying in the forest near Meetli village.
There were visible signs of severe head injuries on his body, and bottles of liquor and beer were also recovered from the crime scene, leading to the suspicion that a drinking party had taken place there before the incident, police said.
Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai said police registered a case based on the written complaint submitted by the family members.
Police sent the body for a postmortem.
According to the deceased's family members, two youngsters from the same village took him away at 8:00 pm on Friday, and he never returned home.
They said when they tried to contact him via phone, his mobile number was switched off.
The deceased worked as a street food vendor in the village and is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
