A shocking viral video showing a man lying between railway tracks as a speeding train passes directly over him has sparked widespread outrage, prompting a strong warning from Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar.
The clip shows the man waiting for the train to approach before flattening himself between the rails. Due to the narrow clearance, the train passed over him without causing injury. Moments later, he stood up unharmed and posed for another person who appeared to be recording the stunt for social media.
Police call act ‘reckless and foolish’
Reacting sharply to the incident, Commissioner Sajjanar said the act was “nothing but foolishness” and warned that even a split-second miscalculation could have resulted in certain death.
“Running behind virality and attempting such stunts may look heroic, but in reality it is reckless. A single mistake can cost a life. Be responsible, not reckless,” he said, urging young people and content creators to stop risking their lives for online attention.
Social media demands strict action
The video triggered strong reactions online, with many users calling for legal action. Several commenters urged railway authorities to intervene, while others demanded jail terms to deter similar behaviour.
Concerns were also raised about the influence such content could have on impressionable youth, with users warning that viral stunts often encourage copycat behaviour.
Not an isolated incident
Officials said the incident is part of a worrying trend. In recent months, similar dangerous stunts have surfaced across the country. In Mau, police investigated a youth for filming a reel where a high-speed train passed over him. In January 2026, a group of men was widely condemned for placing wooden logs on the tracks to stop a Vande Bharat Express for a video.
Strict laws and zero tolerance
Railway authorities reiterated that such acts are criminal offences under the Railways Act, 1989. Officials said the Railway Protection Force has been directed to maintain zero tolerance towards stunts that endanger lives or disrupt train operations.
Authorities have once again appealed to the public to prioritise safety over social media fame, warning that legal consequences will follow those found indulging in such life-threatening behaviour.