Blogger Drugged and Robbed on Train: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Railways
In a deeply alarming incident that has rocked the online community and sparked a national conversation, travel blogger and YouTuber Kanika Devrani was allegedly drugged and robbed while traveling on the Brahmaputra Mail from Delhi to Guwahati. Her story, shared via a heartfelt social media post, has resonated with thousands of Indians, particularly solo travelers and women, raising urgent questions about the state of railway security in the country.
The Incident: A Sleeper Car Nightmare
Kanika, a popular content creator known for her travel vlogs, had booked a 2AC coach seat on the Brahmaputra Mail. Her journey turned into a nightmare when an unknown man allegedly entered the coach without a valid ticket and sprayed an intoxicating substance near her upper berth while the train was halted at New Jalpaiguri Junction, West Bengal.
The result? She and several other passengers were reportedly rendered unconscious, and when she regained her senses, her iPhone 15 Pro Max was missing.
Tech-Savvy Response and Lack of Support
Demonstrating presence of mind, Kanika immediately used Apple’s Find My Device app to trace the location of her phone to Malda, West Bengal. Wasting no time, she took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to tag West Bengal Police and Malda Police, seeking urgent assistance.
In her emotional video post, she claimed that neither railway officials nor the Railway Protection Force (RPF) were helpful during or after the incident. The absence of CCTV cameras in her coach and lax security protocols only added to her frustration and fear.
“I never expected something like this could happen in a 2AC coach. Where is the accountability?” she asked in her video.
Public Outcry: “This Could Happen to Any of Us”
Kanika’s experience has triggered widespread outrage and debate on social media. Several users expressed anger over the loopholes in railway security, particularly in reserved coaches where passengers expect a higher level of safety.
One user commented:
“This is the bitter reality of Indian Railways. If a woman can’t feel safe in 2AC, where can she?”
Others demanded CCTV surveillance in AC coaches, enhanced RPF patrolling, and stricter verification of passengers boarding at smaller junctions.
A Pattern of Neglect?
Unfortunately, Kanika’s case isn’t an isolated one. Incidents of drugging, theft, and even physical assault during train journeys have been increasingly reported, especially on long-haul routes with multiple unscheduled stops.
Railway passengers, especially women and solo travelers, are left feeling vulnerable in a system that often lacks adequate surveillance and immediate emergency response.
Official Response: Too Little, Too Late?
After her video gained traction, Indian Railways finally acknowledged the complaint on X, stating that the matter had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities. However, there has been no official statement on:
Whether an investigation has been initiated
If CCTV footage from nearby stations is being reviewed
What steps are being taken to improve security on that route
The railway ministry’s delayed response has further fueled criticism that not enough is being done to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women.
A Call for Reform: What Needs to Change
This disturbing incident underscores the urgent need for reforms in India’s railway security systems. Some key suggestions from the public and travel safety experts include:
Installation of CCTV cameras in every AC coach
Real-time GPS tracking and emergency SOS buttons in trains
Strict boarding verification at each stop
Mandatory RPF patrols during night hours
A dedicated helpline app for solo female travelers
