East Central Railway dismissed claims linked to a viral video shared by Rahul Gandhi, saying the footage was not from Patliputra Station
June 17, 2026: A political controversy erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a viral video on social media claiming it showed a man who allegedly died during unrest at Patliputra Railway Station in Bihar. The video, originally posted by Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil, showed a man suffering seizures and losing consciousness inside a train. Reacting to the footage, Gandhi criticised the government over the conditions faced by students travelling for examinations, saying the video had deeply disturbed him.
The East Central Railway (ECR) strongly rejected the claim, stating that the footage was not from Patliputra Railway Station and that there was no information suggesting any death had occurred during the incident. Railway officials said the individual seen in the video appeared to be suffering from a medical issue or fatigue-related illness and urged people not to spread rumours or misinformation regarding the matter.
The controversy comes after large-scale protests by candidates appearing for the Bihar Police Prohibition Department recruitment examination. Aspirants gathered at Patliputra Railway Station, alleging inadequate train arrangements and severe overcrowding. The protest escalated into track blockades, stone-pelting and vandalism, prompting police intervention. Authorities later deployed heavy security, used tear gas and conducted baton charges to restore order and resume train operations.