Late-Night Clash at Deoria Railway Station: Transgenders Attack RPF Inspector, Vandalize Office Over Illegal Money Collection
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, September 1, 2025 – A violent confrontation erupted late Sunday night, August 31, 2025, at Deoria Sadar Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh, when a group of transgender individuals allegedly assaulted a Railway Protection Force (RPF) inspector and vandalized the RPF office. The incident, which unfolded around 11 p.m., was triggered after the inspector attempted to stop the group from illegally collecting money from passengers on the Avadh Assam Express. The attack caused widespread panic among passengers, with vendors and commuters stepping in to rescue the inspector. Police have since detained two suspects, and a case has been registered as investigations continue. The incident has reignited debates about passenger safety and the recurring issue of extortion on Indian trains.
Incident Details
The chaos began when the Avadh Assam Express arrived at Platform 1 of Deoria Sadar Railway Station around 11 p.m. According to reports, a group of transgender individuals boarded the train and began demanding money from passengers, a practice that has been a persistent issue on Indian railways. When some passengers refused to comply, the group reportedly resorted to harassment, prompting complaints to RPF Inspector Aas Mohammad, who was on duty conducting routine checks.
Inspector Mohammad, accompanied by colleagues, confronted the group and asked them to leave the train. This intervention enraged the transgender individuals, who began abusing the inspector verbally before escalating to physical violence. A viral video circulating on social media platforms, shared by the handle @yogeshtiwariraj, shows the group chasing Inspector Mohammad across the platform, beating him with sticks, and allegedly attempting to strip his clothes. The assault continued for an extended period, with the attackers pursuing the inspector relentlessly.
The situation escalated further when the group stormed the RPF office at the station, vandalizing property and causing significant disruption. The commotion triggered panic among passengers, many of whom were waiting on the platform or aboard the train. The violent scene unfolded in full view of onlookers, amplifying the sense of chaos at the station.
Intervention by Vendors and Commuters
As the attack intensified, brave vendors and commuters present at the station intervened, standing in solidarity with the RPF inspector. Their collective efforts helped fend off the attackers, allowing Inspector Mohammad to escape further harm. The intervention was critical in preventing more severe injuries to the inspector, who was later rescued by additional RPF personnel who arrived at the scene. The timely response from the public and RPF staff brought the situation under control, though not before significant damage was done to the RPF office.
Police Response and Arrests
Following the incident, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police were alerted and arrived at the station. However, the attackers had fled before their arrival. After a preliminary investigation, police detained two transgender individuals involved in the incident. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against them under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for assault, vandalism, and disturbing public order. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals involved and to determine the full extent of the incident.
Deoria Police confirmed the arrests via a post on X, stating, “Two transgender individuals have been detained in connection with the ruckus at Deoria Sadar Railway Station. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.” The police have also appealed for witnesses to come forward with any additional information or video evidence to aid the investigation.
Broader Context and Recurring Issues
The incident at Deoria Railway Station is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of conflicts involving transgender individuals on Indian trains. Reports indicate that such groups frequently board trains, particularly general coaches, to collect money from passengers, often resorting to intimidation or harassment when refused. Similar incidents have been documented across the country, including a 2014 case in Chennai where a passenger was fatally assaulted by a transgender individual after refusing to pay, and a 2022 protest in Bilaspur where a transgender individual stripped in response to RPF action against extortion.
These recurring incidents have led to public outcry and demands for stricter measures to curb such activities. In 2019, the Government Railway Police in Agra launched a campaign urging passengers to dial the emergency helpline 112 to report harassment by transgender groups, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals that year. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also conducted drives to address the issue, with 275 transgender individuals arrested in August 2016 alone for harassing passengers under the East Coast Railway zone.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, fueled by socio-economic challenges. Transgender communities often cite a lack of alternative livelihoods as a reason for resorting to such practices. Mira Parida, chairperson of the All Odisha Transgender Welfare Trust, noted in 2016, “They don’t have any option. They eke out a living by collecting money from trains. Government should support this community to lead a dignified life.” However, such arguments have been met with resistance from passengers and railway officials, who argue that harassment and violence cannot be justified.
Public and Official Reactions
The attack has sparked significant outrage among passengers, railway officials, and the public. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, with many users condemning the violence and calling for stricter enforcement of railway safety regulations. A post by @up52deo on X detailed the incident, garnering thousands of views and fueling demands for accountability.
Passengers at Deoria station have expressed frustration over the recurring issue of extortion, with some demanding a permanent ban on unauthorized individuals boarding trains. “Whether it’s an express or local train, this menace is increasing. We need strict action to ensure passenger safety,” said a commuter quoted in a report by OrissaPOST.
The RPF and railway authorities have vowed to enhance security measures at Deoria Sadar Railway Station and other vulnerable stations. A senior RPF official stated, “We are reviewing the incident and will increase patrolling and surveillance to prevent such occurrences. The safety of passengers and our personnel is our top priority.” Authorities are also exploring the use of CCTV footage from the station to identify additional suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Implications for Railway Safety
The Deoria incident underscores the broader challenge of ensuring safety on Indian railways, particularly during late-night hours when oversight may be limited. The assault on Inspector Mohammad highlights the risks faced by RPF personnel in enforcing regulations against unauthorized activities. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing measures to curb extortion and harassment on trains.
Railway officials have acknowledged the need for stronger coordination between the RPF, GRP, and local police to address such incidents. Proposals for increased deployment of female constables and enhanced training for handling sensitive situations involving transgender individuals have been floated in the past, but implementation remains inconsistent.
The incident also brings to light the socio-economic complexities surrounding transgender communities in India. While some advocate for rehabilitation and job opportunities to reduce reliance on extortion, others emphasize the need for immediate action to protect passengers and railway staff. Balancing these priorities will require a nuanced approach from both the government and civil society.
Conclusion
The late-night clash at Deoria Sadar Railway Station has exposed the persistent issue of illegal money collection on Indian trains and the potential for violence when such activities are challenged. The bravery of vendors and commuters in rescuing Inspector Aas Mohammad highlights the importance of community intervention, while the swift police response and arrests signal a commitment to addressing the incident. However, the event serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure passenger safety, protect railway personnel, and address the underlying socio-economic issues driving such conflicts. As investigations continue, the incident is likely to fuel further debate on how to balance enforcement, empathy, and equity in India’s complex railway ecosystem.
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