On February 15, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at the New Delhi Railway Station. Thousands of people were trying to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh, a significant religious gathering in Prayagraj. Unfortunately, the large crowd led to a stampede, resulting in the loss of 18 lives and leaving many injured.
What Happened After the Stampede?
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, numerous videos were shared across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter). These videos captured distressing scenes of the stampede and its aftermath, showing the chaos and the victims. Such content can be very upsetting and distressing for viewers.
The Railways' Response
The Railways Ministry, under the leadership of Ashwini Vaishnaw, expressed deep concern regarding the circulation of these videos. They believed that sharing such footage was inappropriate and could lead to further complications. As a result, they decided to take action.
The Request to X
On February 17, 2025, the Railways Ministry formally requested X to remove 285 posts containing videos related to the stampede. They set a deadline of 36 hours for X to comply with this request.
Why Did They Want the Videos Removed?
The Railways Ministry provided several reasons for their request:
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Respect for Victims: It is important to treat those who lost their lives with dignity and respect. Sharing graphic videos can be hurtful to their families.
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Platform Guidelines: The videos were believed to violate X's content-sharing policies regarding sensitive material.
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Public Order Concerns: The ministry feared that continued circulation of these videos might incite unrest or panic among the public.
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Operational Efficiency: With many people traveling for the Maha Kumbh, it was crucial to ensure that train services remained smooth and uninterrupted.
New Rules at the Station
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Delhi Rail Division introduced new operational rules:
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Before any trains arrive at platforms 8 to 16 at New Delhi Railway Station, station personnel must coordinate with the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This measure aims to manage crowds better during peak travel times.
Why This Matters
This story highlights how authorities are trying to manage a sensitive situation while respecting those affected by tragedy. It also raises important questions about social media ethics—what should be shared and what should be kept private during distressing events.
The Railways Ministry's actions reflect a commitment to honoring victims and protecting their families from further pain. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for responsible sharing of content on social media platforms, especially concerning tragic incidents.
As we navigate our digital world, it's essential to consider how our online actions can impact others and whether sharing certain content is truly appropriate or necessary.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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