Kulti: A group of Kanwariyas travelling on 17008 Down Darbhanga-Charlapalli Express allegedly stopped the train several times by pulling the emergency chain and later refused to let it move from Kulti station until one of their companions was released by RPF.The trouble began at Madhupur station on Friday when a member of the group got off the train. Soon after, someone pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt, and the man reboarded.RPF personnel on duty detained the passenger and seized his two mobile phones, sources said.When the train reached Chittaranjan, the detained passenger was handed over to Chittaranjan RPF. A case was registered against him under a bailable section of Railways Act.After the train left Chittaranjan, members of the group allegedly pulled the emergency chain again, forcing an unscheduled halt. When RPF and railway personnel intervened, some Kanwariyas travelling in B-6 AC coach allegedly obstructed them and declared that the train would not be allowed to move until their companion was freed.Because of the protest, the train was held up at Kulti station for about 90 minutes. The detained passenger was later released on bail by Chittaranjan RPF and reached Kulti by public transport, after which the train resumed its journey.Sources said a case was registered on Aug 21, 2026, against six Kanwariyas under Sections 141, 145, 146 and 174 of Railways Act for pulling the emergency chain, causing an unscheduled stoppage and obstructing railway staff from doing their duty.No arrests have been made so far. Further action is likely after railway authorities complete their probe.Attempts to reach the railway chief public relations officer for an official response were unsuccessful.
