A recent incident at Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station has sparked widespread outrage after a video went viral showing cleaning staff throwing cold water on passengers sleeping on the platform amid freezing conditions. The event occurred on December 25 on platforms 8 and 9, leaving netizens shocked and condemning the act as “inhuman” and “unacceptable.”
Viral Video Shows Passengers Being Splashed with Water
The video, shared by an X user called Hate Detector, shows cleaning staff using mugs to splash cold water on passengers, including children, who were resting on the platform. The footage depicts passengers hurriedly gathering their belongings, such as blankets, and vacating the area while the sanitation workers cleaned the platform.
This act drew sharp criticism from social media users, who questioned the lack of empathy shown toward passengers enduring the cold while waiting for their trains.
At #Lucknow’s #Charbagh railway station, passengers, some sleeping while others waiting for their trains on platforms 8 and 9 faced the insensitivity of the cleaning staff who poured water on them and that too during the cold night to wake them up.
A video of the incident went… pic.twitter.com/7A6zRii9Xw
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) December 29, 2024
Railways’ Response to the Incident
In response to the backlash, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Lucknow, SM Sharma, issued a statement addressing the incident. He assured that the cleaning staff involved had been counseled and given clear instructions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The DRM’s statement read:
“Necessary instructions have been issued to the cleaning staff and CHI [Chief Health Inspector].”
This is the shamelessness of DRM Lucknow. After paying for ticket, you are expected to pay for waiting areas, dormitories and retiring rooms because the trains are always delayed. If you rest at the platform, Railways will throw cold water to teach you a lesson for being poor. pic.twitter.com/NaFpkRBFaG
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) December 29, 2024
He further advised passengers to utilize the station’s facilities, such as waiting halls, dormitories, and retiring rooms, rather than sleeping on platforms.
“Passengers are also advised to avoid sleeping on the platforms. The station provides adequate facilities, including waiting halls, dormitories, and retiring rooms, which passengers are encouraged to utilize.”
Discussion on Poverty and Infrastructure
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the challenges faced by the underprivileged, inadequate infrastructure, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in public spaces like railway stations.
Social media users expressed their anger and disappointment, criticizing the railway staff for their insensitivity toward passengers.
Unfortunately, though not the right solution, but in country like India with such vast population, that is only solution. If U tell anything politely, majority won’t listen.
— Sanjay (@Sanjay01886089) December 31, 2024
Not the right way…. Railway must arrange something to these late night passengers, they have booked tickets so railway is liable.
— Nitin kumar sharma (@Nitinkumar91869) December 31, 2024
Inhumane things are more often in UP.
— Akbar 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 🍉 🇵🇸 (@akbarcbe001) December 29, 2024
Chided ! Wow what a severe punishment for illtreating the most ordinary ones of India; children and mothers included !! This truly sets an example !!!
— mdas (@mullurkara) December 31, 2024
Share Your Thoughts
What is your opinion on this incident? Do you believe the railways’ response was adequate? Let us know in the comments below.
