Vande Bharat: BJP MLA supporters assault passenger over window seat - watch video

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Monday accused BJP MLA Rajeev Singh of orchestrating an assault on a train passenger over a window seat dispute aboard the New Delhi–Bhopal Vande Bharat Express.

Shrinate posted a video on X alleging that Singh, used his "goons" to beat up a co-passenger who refused to give up a window seat. She further claimed that Singh is "close to Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah," intensifying the political charge.

In response to the controversy, the Uttar Pradesh BJP issued a show cause notice to Singh on June 22, demanding a written explanation within seven days. The notice, signed by state general secretary Govind Narayan Shukla, said Singh's behaviour "has had an adverse effect on the image of the party," and warned of "stringent action" if the explanation was delayed or unsatisfactory.

The altercation reportedly occurred last Thursday evening inside the Vande Bharat train. According to the government railway police (GRP), the dispute stemmed from a disagreement over seat switching and alleged inappropriate posture by a co-passenger. Tensions boiled over when the train reached Jhansi station, where the passenger was allegedly assaulted by individuals linked to the MLA.

Meanwhile, Singh has filed a non-cognisable report (NCR), claiming that his co-passenger behaved indecently with his wife and son. He further alleged that the man called others to the station, who in turn used abusive language.