Thu Feb 20 21:03:00 UTC 2025: ## Minor Arrested for Swatantrata Senani Express Vandalism
**New Delhi, February 21, 2025** – A minor has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of the Swatantrata Senani Express train (12561) earlier this month, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) announced. On February 10th, unruly passengers damaged 73 AC coach windows on the Jaynagar to New Delhi train at Madhubani railway station in Bihar. The incident, which occurred while many passengers were en route to the Maha Kumbh, was reportedly triggered by passengers from Jaynagar locking the AC coach doors and windows, preventing others from boarding.
The ensuing chaos led to the vandalism. The lack of an RPF or GRP post at Madhubani contributed to the perpetrators escaping. Following an investigation utilizing technical evidence and witness accounts, the RPF East Central Railway arrested a juvenile who confessed to his involvement. The RPF has registered a case under sections 145(b), 146, 153, and 174(a) of the Railways Act at the Darbhanga RPF post, and the investigation continues to identify and apprehend other suspects. Under Section 153, the offenders face up to five years imprisonment, while Section 174(a) carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or a ₹2,000 fine.
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