Tensions ran high in Bayana, Bharatpur district on Sunday after a Gurjar Mahapanchayat, where a group of agitated youths blocked railway tracks demanding recruitment under reserved categories—particularly in the REET selection process. The demonstrators stopped the Mathura–Sawai Madhopur passenger train, climbed atop the engine, and even attempted to damage railway infrastructure, bringing train services to a standstill for nearly two hours.
Enter IPS Rahul Prakash: A Calm Voice in a Storm
In the midst of the escalating crisis, Bharatpur Range Inspector General Rahul Prakash—an IPS officer from the 2006 Rajasthan cadre—arrived at the protest site. His calm and empathetic engagement with the protesters proved decisive in defusing the situation.
Speaking directly to the youth, he acknowledged their anger and despair, recounting his own experiences of preparing for competitive exams and struggling with uncertainty.
“I understand your pain—I too once prepared for exams in Delhi and searched for opportunities before clearing the UPSC,” he said.
Appeal with Empathy: ‘Fight for Your Rights, But Protect Your Future’
Rahul Prakash appealed to the protestors to express their demands through lawful means, warning that acts like vandalism or disrupting public infrastructure could lead to criminal charges under the Railway Act—potentially jeopardizing their eligibility for government employment.
“Your demands are valid, but taking the law into your own hands is not. Cases filed under the Railway Act cannot be withdrawn. Think about your future,” he cautioned.
His words struck a chord with the youth. Moved by his sincerity, many protestors voluntarily stepped back from the railway tracks and returned to the Mahapanchayat venue peacefully.
A Teachable Moment in Responsible Dissent
Addressing the group in the presence of community elders, Prakash emphasized that standing up for constitutional rights must not come at the cost of one’s future.
“If a criminal case is filed against you, it could permanently bar you from government jobs. My duty is to explain; the choice is yours,” he said.
In response, the youth pledged not to engage in unlawful protests again and committed to continue their fight through democratic and legal channels.
Widespread Praise and Social Media Recognition
Rahul Prakash’s compassionate leadership was widely lauded across social media platforms, particularly on Twitter (X), where videos of his speech quickly went viral. His timely intervention not only averted a potential law-and-order crisis but also ensured the prompt restoration of railway services—earning praise from both the public and government officials.
Credit Where It’s Due: Acknowledging Team Effort
In a heartfelt message from his official Twitter handle, IG Prakash thanked the youth for their maturity and also acknowledged the collective efforts of his colleagues during the standoff:
“I sincerely thank the young brothers of the Gurjar community for hearing me out. Grateful to Additional SP Parmal Gujjar ji, CI Lakhan Khatana ji and their team, as well as DM Amit, SP Mridul, DM Neelabh, and SP Brijesh for their support.”
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