‘Civic Sense has Ended’: Outrage After Man Smokes on Moving Train and Attacks Passenger

New Delhi, February 4, 2026: A viral video capturing a brazen act of lawlessness on an Indian Railways train has sparked a massive debate over the decline of civic responsibility. The incident, which surfaced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, shows a man smoking a cigarette inside a crowded coach and subsequently attempting to physically assault a co-passenger who dared to intervene.

The Incident: A Lack of Fear and Respect

The 27-second clip, which has since amassed millions of views across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), shows a man casually seated on a side upper berth. Ignoring the proximity of other travelers—including families and elderly passengers—the man is seen lighting a cigarette and exhaling smoke directly into the confined air-conditioned space.

The situation turned volatile when a fellow passenger, concerned about the fire hazard and health risks, verbally objected. When the smoker ignored the pleas, the co-passenger reportedly snatched the cigarette from his hand. This led to a heated confrontation where the smoker, visibly enraged, jumped down from his berth and allegedly attempted to attack the man who confronted him.

Public Outrage and Safety Concerns

The video, shared by several viral news accounts with the caption “Civic sense has ended,” has triggered a wave of anger online. Social media users have tagged the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), demanding immediate arrest and a lifetime ban on travel for the offender.

“Smoking in a moving train is not just a nuisance; it’s a death trap,” wrote one user. “A single spark can cause a massive fire in a high-speed train. This is blatant disregard for human life.”

Under Section 167 of the Railways Act, smoking is strictly prohibited in any railway carriage. Despite these laws, passengers frequently complain about the lack of on-board enforcement and the “entitled” attitude of certain travelers who flout safety protocols.

Key Takeaways from the Viral Incident:

• Fire Hazard: Trains carry highly inflammable materials; smoking remains one of the leading causes of avoidable fire accidents.
• Health Risk: Second-hand smoke in an enclosed AC coach affects all passengers, including children and those with respiratory issues.
• Lack of Enforcement: The incident has raised questions about why RPF personnel or coach attendants were not present to de-escalate the situation before it turned physical.

Official Response

While the Indian Railways has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific identification of the passenger, their official help handle, @RailwaySeva, has been actively responding to reports, requesting journey details (PNR numbers) to initiate a probe. Historically, such viral incidents have led to the swift identification and booking of offenders at the next available station.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the deteriorating “civic sense” in public spaces. As Indian Railways undergoes a massive modernization phase, the behavior of its passengers remains a critical factor in ensuring a safe and dignified travel experience.