A video of a man in a moving train performing a religious ritual has gone viral on social media, causing a public debate on passenger safety and railway rules.
In the video, we see the man lighting an oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks (agarbatti) in an air-conditioned coach in the train when it’s running. He is seen offering prayers in the frame as others watch. The video has been widely shared on social media and has people concerned about the danger of someone lighting an open flame in a train compartment.
People are not happy that fire in a moving train may be a hazard to hundreds of passengers. Even a small flame, spark, or smoke could potentially spark an emergency, particularly in a closed AC coach where safety is of paramount importance.
Some social media users have posted that trains carry many passengers and any activity involving fire should be avoided. They urged the railway authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures if railway safety rules were violated.
While people respect the right and freedom to practice one’s faith, others have argued that public safety must be considered over personal religious practices on trains. That is, religious observance need not include actions that could put people at risk, they say.
The viral video has also reignited discussions about passenger awareness and compliance with railway safety regulations. For some people, safety protocols must be enforced, and public education about prohibited activities on trains should be promoted.
No rail authority has been notified of the incident, train number, or date as of now. It is also unknown if any action has been taken against the person who appears in the video.
Authorities will verify the authenticity of the viral footage and whether any railway safety regulations have been broken.
As a reminder that personal beliefs and religious practices should not be discounted, the act of being in public transport with open flames or combustible materials may cause avoidable risks; we must prioritize all passengers’ safety.
