A bizarre and alarming incident unfolded aboard the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express when a man carrying a snake was seen demanding money from passengers. A video of the episode, now viral on social media, shows the man parading the reptile close to frightened passengers, forcing many to hand over cash.
The clip, shared on X by user @draghu888, is said to have been filmed between Mungaoli and Bina junction. The snake, believed to be a non-venomous rat snake, was used to intimidate passengers and create panic inside the train.
Reacting to the video, the Indian Railways’ official handle Railway Seva sought more details of the journey and directed the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to investigate. “We will require your journey details (PNR/UTS no.) & mobile no. preferably via DM,” the Railways posted, urging the complainant to also register the case on RailMadad or by dialling 139.
The video drew sharp criticism online, with many calling the act an extortion tactic rather than begging. “This isn’t entertainment, it’s extortion exploiting vulnerable people,” one user wrote. Another demanded the man’s arrest, likening the use of a snake to carrying a knife or a gun.
The incident comes amid another controversy on trains, where a woman travelling without a ticket was recently filmed arguing with a TTE and accusing railway staff of misbehaviour—sparking a separate wave of outrage online.