At 4 AM, while on Brahmaputra Mail, popular Indian YouTuber Kanika Devrani fell victim to a train robbery involving a knock-out spray. Is this the new normal on India’s tracks?
When it comes to travel, trains in India have long been seen as a lifeline connecting distant cities and cultures. But for Indian YouTuber and vlogger Kanika Devrani, a routine train journey turned into a nightmare, shaking the public’s confidence in railway safety.
While traveling aboard the Brahmaputra Mail to Guwahati, Kanika’s journey took a dark turn. Around 4 AM at New Jalpaiguri Junction, West Bengal, an unidentified man allegedly sprayed a sedative substance inside the train coach. Passengers lost consciousness — and when they awoke, Kanika’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, along with the phones of several other travelers, was gone.
📱 Trackable But Ignored: The Missing iPhone’s Signal Speaks Volumes
In a twist of irony, Kanika was able to trace her iPhone using Find My Device, which revealed its current location near Shishu Shiksha Kendra in Malda, West Bengal. Despite having clear GPS data, there’s been no swift police action.
Indian YouTuber and vlogger Kanika Devrani was traveling in Brahmaputra Mail to Guwahati when a shocking incident occurred.
— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) June 27, 2025
At around 4 AM, while the train was at New Jalpaiguri Junction, West Bengal, an unidentified man allegedly sprayed a substance to knock passengers… pic.twitter.com/x2NZeZfam7
This has led to growing frustration among citizens. People are questioning: If a well-known personality’s tracked phone can’t be recovered, what chance does the common man have?
😠 Public Outrage & Citizen Voices: Is West Bengal Failing Its People?
Twitter erupted in outrage with users tagging @WBPolice and @malda_police, demanding immediate action. One user, Albert Khare, shared that New Jalpaiguri’s surroundings were teeming with “drunk and shady elements,” pointing to an environment ripe for crime.
Another user Yash Gupta recounted a similar incident in Kolkata where authorities flat-out refused to help, even with a live location from a tracking app. Such responses have caused a deep erosion of public trust in law enforcement.
🚨 The Pattern: Not an Isolated Incident
Disturbingly, this isn’t a one-off incident. Similar stories have emerged from other travelers on the same route. Sedative-laced robberies, unauthorized vendors, and total helplessness from authorities paint a grim picture of passenger safety on Bengal-bound trains.
Many social media users allege that West Bengal’s criminal network is thriving, with whispers of involvement by illegal immigrants, organized gangs, and even local political protection.
🔍 A Wake-Up Call for Indian Railways & WB Police
Kanika’s case isn’t just about a stolen phone — it’s about systemic failure, corruption, and the alarming vulnerability of travelers. When public transport, especially long-distance trains, become unsafe, the entire trust fabric of the nation’s mobility system is torn.
This incident is now more than a personal tragedy — it is a rallying cry. It’s time for Railway Protection Force (RPF) and West Bengal authorities to act with transparency, speed, and accountability.
🔗 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Kanika Devrani?
She is a popular Indian YouTuber and travel vlogger known for her solo travel content across India.
2. What happened during the Brahmaputra Mail journey?
While the train stopped at New Jalpaiguri, a man allegedly sprayed a substance inside the coach, knocking passengers unconscious and stealing phones.
3. Was the stolen phone trackable?
Yes, Kanika traced her iPhone 15 Pro Max to a specific location in Malda using Apple’s “Find My Device.”
4. What actions have been taken?
Despite tagging the authorities and having GPS data, no immediate recovery has been reported yet.
5. What does this mean for Indian Railways?
It raises serious concerns about security, passenger safety, and the effectiveness of RPF and local police in Bengal.