YouTuber Arrested for Endangering Railway Safety in Uttar Pradesh
Director General RPF appeals to citizens not to indulge in unlawful activities and report any such acts
In a significant crackdown on reckless behaviour, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has apprehended a YouTuber for endangering public safety by tampering with railway tracks for publicity. Viral videos on Twitter depicted a person placing various objects on railway tracks, prompting an urgent investigation. The culprit, Gulzar Sheikh, has uploaded more than 250 videos on his YouTube channel, boasting over 200,000 subscribers. His on-camera antics posed a substantial risk to railway safety and operations.
Following a thorough analysis of Sheikh's YouTube profile and social media activity, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway, registered the offence under various provisions of the Railway Act on 1 August 2024. That same day, a joint team of RPF and local police arrested Gulzar Sheikh from his residence in Khandrauli Village, Soraon (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.
Commending the RPF Lucknow Division for their prompt and effective action, the Director General of RPF emphasised that legal proceedings against Gulzar Sheikh would serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider compromising the safety of Indian Railways. He reiterated the importance of railway safety and assured the public that any attempts to undermine rail security would be met with strict legal action and maximum punishment.
The Director General also appealed to the public to refrain from such activities and to report any acts that compromise railway security and safety. Such information can be provided to the Railway Protection Force or through the Rail Madad toll-free helpline number 139.