The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of South East Central Railway (SECR), Nagpur Division, has issued a strong warning against filming reels or taking selfies on railway tracks, following the tragic death of a 28-year-old man who was struck by a train while recording a video. Officials reiterated that such actions are not only criminal offenses under the Railway Act but also life-threatening.
Despite ongoing awareness drives, there has been a growing trend among youth to create social media content on or near railway tracks. Many are seen carelessly crossing tracks, posing for selfies, or filming videos close to moving trains—putting their lives and others’ at serious risk. This dangerous behavior has contributed to a surge in fatal incidents.
One such incident occurred on May 15, 2025, between Ghansour and Vineki, a relatively isolated railway section. Akash Rathore (28), son of Lal Singh Rathore and resident of Kareli (Gotegaon Police Station, Narsinghpur District, Madhya Pradesh), was reportedly filming a reel on the tracks when train number 68817 approached. Despite multiple horn warnings by the loco pilot, Akash failed to move and was fatally hit. His friend Nitin Yadav rushed him to Ghansour Government Medical Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The body was handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination.
So far in 2025, 97 cases of people being run over by trains have been reported in the SECR Nagpur Division. In response, the RPF has intensified its outreach efforts, especially in rural areas and settlements near railway lines. The campaign educates locals on the dangers of unauthorized entry into railway premises and the illegality of making reels or taking selfies on tracks.
Divisional Security Commissioner Deep Chandra Arya has appealed to residents, influencers, and media platforms—print, electronic, and social—to help spread the message. He urged citizens not to risk their lives by trespassing or engaging in dangerous acts like hanging out of moving trains for selfies. He also stressed that public cooperation is crucial for ensuring safety and the smooth, punctual operation of rail services.
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