Bharatpur: Tension flared in Bayana, Bharatpur district, on Sunday following a Gurjar Mahapanchayat, when a large group of agitated youths blocked the railway tracks demanding appointments on reserved posts, particularly under the REET recruitment. The protesters halted the Mathura-Sawai Madhopur passenger train, climbed onto the engine, and some even attempted to damage the railway infrastructure, disrupting rail traffic for nearly two hours.
IPS Rahul Prakash Steps In, Defuses Situation Calmly
Amid rising tensions, Bharatpur Range IG Rahul Prakash, an IPS officer of 2006 batch from Rajasthan cadre, arrived at the scene and took immediate control of the situation. His calm demeanor and empathetic conversation with the youth were instrumental in restoring peace. Addressing the group directly, he acknowledged their pain and frustration over unemployment, a struggle he said he once shared.
“I understand the pain of unemployed youth. I too prepared for exams in Delhi and looked for opportunities before clearing the UPSC,” he said.
Guiding with Empathy: ‘Protest, But Don’t Ruin Your Future’
Mr Prakash urged the youth to protest within legal bounds. He cautioned that actions such as damaging public property or blocking trains could have long-lasting legal consequences under the Railway Act, including criminal records that could jeopardize future government job eligibility.
“Your demand is justified, but taking the law into your hands is not. A case once filed under the Railway Act cannot be withdrawn,” he advised.
His heartfelt appeal resonated with the protestors, many of whom then returned peacefully to the Mahapanchayat venue.
A Lesson in Responsible Protest
Speaking to the youth amid community leaders, IPS Prakash emphasized the importance of safeguarding one’s future while fighting for constitutional rights.
“If a criminal case is registered against you, you could lose the chance of ever getting a government job. Think about your future,” he said, adding, “My job is to explain – the decision is yours.”
Moved by his words, the protestors unanimously pledged not to resort to unlawful methods again. They vowed to continue their fight for justice through peaceful and legal channels.
Public Applause and Social Media Praise
IPS Prakash’s speech and actions quickly went viral on social media, especially Twitter (X), drawing widespread praise for his empathetic leadership and crisis management. His timely intervention not only defused a volatile situation but also ensured the resumption of rail services, much to the relief of the Railway Ministry and state administration.
Acknowledging the Team Effort
In a post from his official Twitter handle, IG Prakash expressed gratitude to fellow officers for their support during the tense standoff.
“I heartily thank the younger brothers of my Gurjar community who listened to me. Heartfelt thanks to Additional SP Parmal Gujjar Ji, CI Lakhan Khatana Ji, his team and our team members, DM Amit, SP Mridul, DM Neelabh and SP Brijesh,” he wrote.
मैं हृदय से अपने गुज़र समाज के छोटे भाइयों को धन्यवाद देता हूँ, जिन्होंने मेरी बात मानी। Adsp परमाल गुज्जर जी, CI लखन खटाना जी, इनकी टीम और हमारी टीम के साथी, DM अमित, SP मृदुल, डीएम नीलाभ और एसपी बृजेश को भी हार्दिक धन्यवाद । 🙏🏻 https://t.co/lgH0IRjEZ6
— Rahul Prakash, IPS (@rahulprakashIPS) June 9, 2025
