In a bizarre and shocking incident that has gone viral on social media, a passenger at Jabalpur railway station was reportedly forced to hand over his wristwatch to a vendor after his UPI payment failed while buying a plate of samosas. The incident, captured on video by bystanders, has sparked massive debate online about digital payment reliability, vendor behavior, and consumer rights.
According to reports, the passenger, traveling on a long-distance train, stopped to buy samosas from a local stall at the platform. He attempted to pay via UPI, but the UPI Payment Fails multiple times due to poor internet connectivity. Despite showing proof of his attempted payments, the vendor allegedly refused to let him go without compensation — leading to a heated argument that soon drew attention from nearby passengers.
When the vendor demanded “some guarantee,” the passenger, caught in an awkward situation, removed his digital wristwatch and handed it over as a temporary assurance until the payment could be verified. The entire exchange was recorded by another commuter and quickly made its way to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where it garnered thousands of views and comments within hours.
A passenger asked for samosa but phonepe payment failed samosa seller grabbed the collar accusing him of wasting time and forced the money the samosa
— Ashish Singh (@AshishSinghKiJi) October 19, 2025
Train started moving then he removed watch hand over the seller
Shameful incident Jabalpur Railway station pic.twitter.com/RD9wmdBr8d
Internet Reacts with Humor and Outrage
While some netizens sympathized with the vendor, pointing out that small sellers often face losses due to failed payments, many criticized the incident as an example of digital payment dependency gone wrong.
One user commented, “We were told India is going cashless — not watch-less!” while another joked, “Samosa worth ₹20, watch worth ₹2,000 — inflation hits differently!”
Others expressed concern about the reliability of UPI systems in rural or low-connectivity areas, especially at railway stations where network fluctuations are common.
Authorities Take Note
Following the viral video, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and IRCTC reportedly began looking into the incident to verify details and ensure that passengers are not harassed by unauthorized or unregistered vendors. Officials also emphasized the importance of carrying backup payment options, especially during travel.
Meanwhile, digital experts have reiterated that UPI systems remain among the world’s fastest and most secure, though occasional failures can occur due to local connectivity or server issues.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing tension between India’s rapid digital transformation and the on-ground infrastructure challenges faced by millions of daily users.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as both a humorous and cautionary tale about life in modern India — where even a simple snack can come with a digital twist.
