'To uphold dignity of victims': Indian Railways clarifies why X was asked to remove Delhi stampede videos
New Delhi/IBNS: The Railway Ministry Friday issued a clarification after some social media posts claimed that it had asked X to remove 285 Delhi stampede videos from the platform.
In a post on X, the railway's spokesperson said it only requested for removal of sensitive content and disturbing images "to uphold the dignity of victims, especially women".
"Please refrain from spreading fake news," read the post.
To uphold the dignity of victims, especially women, only sensitive content and Disturbing images were requested for removal. Such content caused distress to families.
— Spokesperson Railways (@SpokespersonIR) February 21, 2025
Please refrain from spreading fake news. pic.twitter.com/Q63J9zMxLk
This comes after it was reported that the Ministry of Railways has instructed X to take down 285 social media links containing videos of the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
Citing ethical concerns and X’s content policies, the ministry issued a notice on February 17, giving the platform 36 hours to comply, said reports.
The notice, as reported in the media previously, warned that sharing such videos could incite public unrest and disrupt railway operations, especially during a period of high train traffic.
Previous social media takedowns
This is not the first instance of the ministry exercising its takedown authority. In January, it issued a similar directive to YouTube and Instagram, instructing them to remove content that contained “misleading and provocative information” that could disturb public order.
That notice referenced one YouTube video, one Instagram post, and two Instagram reels. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, confirmed it had acted upon receiving a valid legal request.
Delhi HC reviews stampede-related issues
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Thursday (February 20) directed the Railways to examine issues related to passenger limits and platform ticket sales. The directive came during a hearing on a public interest petition regarding the recent stampede.
A bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela raised concerns over inadequate crowd management.
The judges questioned why the number of tickets sold often exceeded the train coach capacity.
The court has instructed the Railway Board to review the situation and submit an affidavit detailing the measures it plans to implement.
The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in at least 18 deaths.
The incident occurred on platforms 14 and 15 as large crowds gathered to board trains bound for Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is currently taking place.
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