East Coast Railway warns public against dangerous stunts on tracks after viral video involving minors

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched an urgent public awareness drive and issued a stern warning against the growing trend of creating stunt videos on railway tracks, following a recent incident in Boudh where two minors were found performing life-threatening acts for social media content.

According to ECoR, the episode came to light on July 5 when officials received a video clip showing a teenager lying between the sleepers of an active railway track as a train passed over him.

Railways: Stunt Videos Are Life-Threatening and Illegal

In its official statement, the East Coast Railway emphasised that such acts are not only criminal offences but also extremely dangerous. “Railway tracks are no place for stunts or social media content creation.

Trespassing on tracks for entertainment puts lives at extreme risk and disrupts railway operations,” the release stated.

Officials further clarified those creating stunt videos on railway premises amounts to trespass, endangering safety, and obstruction of train movement, all punishable under law. The Railways appealed to citizens, especially parents, teachers, and local leaders, to actively counsel young people against such reckless acts.

Minors Identified in Boudh, Legal Action Initiated

Notably, in the Boudh incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) team at Bolangir immediately swung into action, traced the location to Purnapani Station, and coordinated with Baunsuni Police Station for further investigation.

The joint investigation led to the identification of two minors, a 12-year-old boy and his 15-year-old friend, both residents of a village in Boudh district. The video was found to have been filmed on June 29, when the boys ventured onto the tracks between Purnapani and Jharmunda stations without any supervision.

Accompanied by local villagers and their guardians, both boys were taken to the RPF Post at Bolangir, where a case was registered under Sections 153, 145(b), and 147 of the Railways Act, 1989.

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Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings are now underway under the Juvenile Justice Act, with both minors placed under parental supervision during the process.