Fact Check: Viral Video of Vande Bharat Train Window Being Smashed is Misleading – No ‘Rail Jihad,’ Only Repair Work

Video of Vande Bharat repair work VIRAL with false claims

The man is a contract worker with Indian Railways in Ahmedabad.

A viral video showing a man breaking a window of the Vande Bharat Express has sparked outrage online, with some social media users falsely alleging it to be an act of vandalism by a Muslim man, dubbing it “Rail Jihad.” However, an investigation by Fact Check India reveals that this claim is completely false. The man in the video is a contract worker for Indian Railways, replacing the broken window as part of regular maintenance work.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage with False Communal Claims

A video showing a man smashing the window of a Vande Bharat Express train with a hammer has gained widespread attention on social media. Several users have shared the clip, accusing the man of intentionally damaging the train, with some even giving it a communal angle by referring to the act as “Train Jihad.” One Facebook user claimed, “India’s growth is hindered by individuals like this who destroy national property,” implying a malicious motive behind the act.

Fact Check India: No Vandalism, Only Routine Maintenance

Upon closer examination, Fact Check India debunked these misleading claims. The individual in the viral video is a contract worker with Indian Railways in Ahmedabad, hired to repair the train’s windows. He was seen breaking the damaged glass to replace it as part of standard maintenance procedures.

How the False Claims Were Busted

Multiple social media users pointed out that the man was simply doing his job. A visible crack at the bottom of the window can be seen in the video, indicating the window needed replacement. Furthermore, a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the account “Trains of India” demonstrates the standard process of replacing Vande Bharat train windows, which involves breaking the old glass with a hammer.

This is how #VandeBharatTrain glass is replaced, this protocol is followed at maintenance pits as:
• Quick & easy
• Glass glued tightly
• Less TAT for train at pit lines
Meanwhile proper procedure is followed at workshop where train goes for schedule maintenance every 2yrs. https://t.co/UHx2OWcT9C pic.twitter.com/POkBVeevow
— Trains of India (@trainwalebhaiya) September 10, 2024

Identifying the Worker in the Viral Video

A reverse image search of keyframes from the video led investigators to an Instagram account, @singare_mahi_manish. The individual seen in the account’s posts was wearing the same clothes as the man in the viral video. The account also featured multiple videos related to the Vande Bharat Express, providing a clear link. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the man in question is Manish Kumar Gupta, a maintenance worker contracted by Indian Railways.

Railway Authorities Confirm the Facts

After reaching out to officials, Fact Check India confirmed that the video was recorded at the Integrated Coaching Depot in Kankariya, Ahmedabad, where routine inspections of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express take place. Railway authorities corroborated that the worker was replacing a cracked window, not vandalizing the train.

Manish Kumar Gupta’s Response

Manish Kumar Gupta, the worker in the video, confirmed his identity but stated that he was advised not to comment further on the matter by his superiors. It was also revealed that he had originally posted the video on his own Instagram account, but later deleted it when it went viral with false claims.

Conclusion

The viral video of a man breaking the Vande Bharat Express window has been misrepresented on social media. This was neither an act of vandalism nor was it related to any communal agenda like the so-called “Rail Jihad.” The man in the video was performing his duties as a maintenance worker, replacing a damaged window under the supervision of Indian Railways.