In a significant operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has apprehended a YouTuber for dangerously tampering with railway tracks in pursuit of online fame. The individual, identified as Gulzar Sheikh, had been placing various objects on railway tracks, with footage of these acts going viral on Twitter, prompting an immediate investigation.
Gulzar Sheikh, who boasts over 200,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel and has uploaded more than 250 videos, was found to be engaging in activities that posed a substantial risk to both the safety and operations of the railway system. Following a thorough examination of Sheikh’s online presence, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway, registered the offence under several provisions of the Railway Act on 1 August.
A joint team comprising the RPF and local police swiftly arrested Sheikh at his home in Khandrauli Village, Uttar Pradesh, on the same day. The Director General of RPF commended the Lucknow Division for their prompt and effective response, highlighting that this legal action would serve as a stern warning to others who might consider jeopardising the safety of the Indian Railways.
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The DG RPF underscored the importance of railway safety and reassured the public that any attempts to undermine it would be met with decisive and strict legal action. He emphasised that individuals engaging in such dangerous behaviour would face prosecution and be subject to the maximum penalties available under the law.
In addition, the DG RPF appealed to the public to refrain from participating in or supporting activities that compromise railway security and safety. He encouraged citizens to report any suspicious acts to the Railway Protection Force or through the Rail Madad service, available via the toll-free helpline number 139.
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