8 pantry staff arrested for celebrating Holi in AC chair car of Shatabdi Express

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) promptly registered a case against the pantry car vendor and cleaning staff under sections related to damaging railway property and defacing the seats. (File photo)

A festive celebration on board the Kanpur Shatabdi Express turned chaotic on the day of Holi, leading to swift action by railway authorities. The incident occurred on March 14, shortly after the Shatabdi Express departed from New Delhi en route to Kanpur. The AC chair car of the train became the scene of an impromptu Holi celebration as pantry car staff, cleaning staff, and even two railway employees broke into dance to Bhojpuri songs, throwing abir and gulal inside the coach.

A video of the celebration, streamed live on Instagram by a person identified as Dheeraj Singh, quickly went viral, prompting outrage and immediate action from senior railway officials. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) promptly registered a case against the pantry car vendor and cleaning staff under sections related to damaging railway property and defacing the seats. Eight people, including Nitish Modanwar, Fatehkrishna, Ayush Bharti, Sajid Ahmed, Sarwan, Omkar, Sandeep, and Dheeraj Kumar, were arrested.

Eight pantry staff members were arrested after celebrating Holi inside the AC chair car of the Kanpur Shatabdi Express, causing damage to the train's seats with colors. pic.twitter.com/zGzoHGdYPz
The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) March 19, 2025

The Deputy Chief Traffic Manager (CTM) issued notices to two officials, including the train superintendent, seeking clarification on the matter. Assistant Commercial Manager (ACM) Santosh Tripathi confirmed that the video shows both IRCTC and BHS employees participating in the Holi celebration. “This is a serious matter,” Tripathi said, adding that the seats were discoloured due to the Holi colours, and action would be taken against all involved.

Senior railway officials have been informed, and further disciplinary measures are expected. The incident raised questions about the conduct of railway staff and the breach of protocol on train services.