Stone pelting damages Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat window in Bihar (Image: File Photo)Stone pelting on Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat train: A window of the Patna-Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express was damaged after a stone-pelting incident in Bihar on August 23. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Danapur Division of East Central Railway (ECR).According to the zonal railway, the incident took place at around 6:40 am when the train was passing near Bihta station. “On 23.08.2026 at about 6.40 am, a stone-pelting incident was reported on Train No. 22345 near Bihta Station, resulting in damage to the window glass of Coach C-6,” the ECR said.Following the incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) “immediately” reached the spot and registered a case against unidentified persons under Section 153 of the Railways Act, according to a statement.The zonal railway said the RPF is now working to identify those responsible. CCTV footage from the Vande Bharat train and the surrounding area is being obtained and examined as part of the investigation.As a preventive measure, joint patrolling by the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) has also been intensified in the affected area to prevent similar incidents in the future, the railway said.Also Read | Indian Railways’ first high-speed test track nears completion: Trains to be tested at 220 kmph from 2027-28According to the Railways, stone pelting on trains is a criminal offence under Sections 153 and 154 of the Railways Act, 1989.In January, the national transporter said that 1,698 cases of stone pelting on trains were registered across the Indian Railways network between July and December 2025. A total of 665 people were arrested in connection with these cases.Story continues below this adIt said the arrests were part of its continued efforts to prevent stone-pelting incidents and ensure passenger safety, while protecting railway property from damage.The Ministry of Railways had earlier warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in stone-pelting incidents, including the registration of criminal cases and arrests under relevant laws.“Any individual found indulging in stone pelting or related acts will face severe legal repercussions,” the ministry said.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More