Vande Bharat Express ‘stopped’ mid-journey to make reel; netizens call it ‘act of terrorism’

A highly controversial video showing a Vande Bharat Express train allegedly being stopped for a social media reel has gone viral across social media platforms.

According to the viral footage circulating widely, a group of young men is seen placing large wooden logs and obstacles directly on the railway track, stopping the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express on an open stretch of land. 

In the video, the group can be heard laughing and shouting ‘Vande Bharat ko rukwa diye’, roughly translating to ‘we’ve made the Vande Bharat stop today’, making it clear their motive was to record content for views.

A police constable inside the halted train approaches them in the clip, initially thinking they might be trying to board. The men, however, respond on camera that they were only making a video, not attempting to enter the train. 

However, odishatv.in cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video.

Social Media Reaction: Calls for Strict Action

The post, shared by users including ‘@SouleFacts’, drew condemnation online, with many labeling the stunt a serious threat to passenger safety and equating it to an act of terrorism. 

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Some users took the outrage further, tagging Indian Railways' authorities, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and even government ministers, demanding arrests and severe legal action under stringent sections of the law.

“Stopping Vande Bharat and jeopardising lives of passengers by placing wooden logs for making reels should be treated as an act of terrorism,” one widely shared post reads.

Reactions ranged from disbelief to anger, with netizens saying such reckless behaviour cannot be dismissed as a prank. Many argued that using critical national infrastructure like a high-speed train for online clout is not just irresponsible, but criminal.

Public Safety and Legal Implications

Railway safety experts and commentators on social media pointed out that deliberately placing objects on active train tracks jeopardises not only the passengers aboard the Vande Bharat Express but also crew and bystanders nearby. 

Under the Railways Act, malicious interference with train operations can attract rigorous legal penalties, including long jail terms. Civil rights commenters added that such behaviour reflects a troubling trend where individuals risk public safety for online fame.

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Why the Incident Matters, If True?

This incident has tapped into a broader online debate about the dangers of content for clout, showing how far some people might go to create viral videos at the expense of public security and civic responsibility. 

Coverage and public reaction online suggest that while digital platforms thrive on high-engagement content, audiences are increasingly critical when entertainment crosses into endangerment.