RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vande Bharat Train Pelted with Stones in Hardoi.

Stone Pelting Incident Near Hardoi Station

A serious security lapse occurred on Friday when the Lucknow-Delhi Vande Bharat Express was targeted by stone-pelters near Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat was traveling in the train at the time of the incident. According to railway officials, the stones hit the C4 coach, resulting in the shattering of a window pane. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the RSS Chief remained unharmed. The train continued its journey after a brief assessment by the security personnel on board, while the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police have initiated a high-level probe into the matter to identify the perpetrators.

Security Protocols and High-Level Protection

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is a Z+ category protectee, the highest level of security provided by the government, which includes Advanced Security Liaison (ASL). Given his security status, the incident has raised significant concerns among law enforcement agencies. Initial reports suggest that the stones were thrown from a secluded spot near the tracks as the train was passing through the Hardoi section. While Vande Bharat trains have frequently been targets of vandalism since their inception, the presence of a high-profile dignitary has prompted a more rigorous investigation, while authorities are examining whether the act was a random instance of mischief or a targeted attempt.

Scheduled Sports Interaction in Meerut

The RSS Chief is currently on a visit to Western Uttar Pradesh. He was en route to Meerut to participate in a unique interaction program at 'Madhav Kunj', the RSS office in Madhavpuram. The event is designed to facilitate a direct dialogue between the Sarsanghchalak and athletes, coaches, and trainers from 28 districts across the Meerut and Braj provinces. Scheduled to run from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, this marks the first time the RSS leadership is engaging so extensively with the sporting community. The objective of the meet is to understand the challenges faced by sportspersons and discuss their role in national development.

Participation of Renowned Athletes and Coaches

The interaction program has seen invitations extended to approximately 500 athletes. Notable figures from the world of cricket, including Praveen Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Suresh Raina, have been invited to share their insights. International wrestler Alka Tomar is also among the prominent invitees. During the session, athletes are expected to pose questions directly to Mohan Bhagwat regarding various social and professional issues. RSS officials stated that the gathering aims to foster a sense of national pride and discipline among the youth through the medium of sports, highlighting the importance of physical education in the organization's vision.

Upcoming Intellectual Meet and Police Investigation

Following the sports interaction, Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to meet with intellectuals and professionals from the region on February 21. This group includes lawyers, doctors, businessmen, chartered accountants, engineers, and representatives from various NGOs. Meanwhile, the Hardoi police have registered a case against unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Railways Act. Police teams are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning local residents to track down the miscreants. Railway authorities have reiterated that such acts of vandalism cause significant damage to public property and pose a threat to passenger safety, promising stringent action against those found guilty.