Passenger booked after lighting diya inside moving Hazrat Nizamuddin-Mysuru Express Train: CR

A matchbox, brass diya and steel container were recovered, the CR said. Representational Pic/File

Central Railway has taken action against a 55-year-old passenger for lighting a diya on his reserved berth inside a running train, citing the potential fire risk to passengers and railway property, an official Central Railway statement said.

The incident took place on Train No. 12782 Hazrat Nizamuddin-Mysuru Express on August 31, when the passenger was reportedly performing evening prayers in coach A-1.

According to Central Railway, the incident was reported by on-duty ticket checking staff member Raman Kumar Sharma from Khandwa to Commercial Control, Bhusaval.

The passenger, identified as Gariba, a resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, was found lighting a brass diya on berth No. 17 while performing prayers.

The TTE reportedly asked him to put out the open flame, explaining that it could cause a fire and endanger passengers and railway property. However, the passenger insisted on completing his prayers before extinguishing it.

The incident was also recorded on the TTE's mobile phone. A matchbox, brass diya and steel container were recovered.

Passenger deboarded at Bhusaval

The passenger was deboarded at Bhusaval railway station for further action.

On September 1, action was taken against him under Sections 153 and 145(B) of the Railways Act, 1989, as the act was considered a potential danger to passenger safety and railway property.

After the required legal formalities, he was released on notice under Section 35(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Railway warns against open flames

Central Railway has appealed to passengers not to carry inflammable articles or light diyas, candles or incense sticks inside trains.

The railway authorities warned that an open flame inside a train could trigger a fire and put the lives of hundreds or thousands of passengers at risk.

Under Section 153 of the Railways Act, an offence involving an act that endangers the safety of passengers or railway property can attract imprisonment of up to five years.

Section 145(B) also provides for removal from railway premises, forfeiture of a pass or ticket and fines. In cases where an offence continues despite a warning, imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both may apply.