Railway Protection Force book 85 persons for pelting stones on trains

HYDERABAD: Initiating stern action on those pelting stones on trains under the Secunderabad Division of the South Central Railway (SCR), the Railway Protection Force (RPF), has so far arrested 85 persons this year.

Over 5,000 raids were conducted and cases were registered under section 147 of the Railway Act for trespassing.

The division also took several measures to detect, deter and take swift action against those persons indulging in stone pelting. The RPF had intensified surveillance efforts along vulnerable sections of railway tracks and stations where stone-pelting incidents took place in the past.

All-out efforts were made leading to the detection of almost all cases of stone pelting within hours of the incident. Advanced CCTV cameras, inputs of RPF Cyber Cell and other surveillance equipment were deployed to monitor train routes more effectively.

The RPF enhanced its intelligence-gathering capabilities to identify potential troublemakers and groups involved in stone pelting by collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, intelligence units, and community members.

In addition, RPF personnel formed local groups with councilors, village Panchayat heads and others for regular broadcast of messages regarding the ramifications of stone pelting and the possible legal action. Special patrolling teams were deputed to maintain a visible and active presence in key locations where stone-pelting incidents were reported in the past.

Perpetrators caught in stone-pelting on trains were subjected to strict legal action. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railways said: “Safety of the passengers and protection of Railway property is top most priority. People can call 139 to report against any persons indulging in such activity so that swift action can be taken.”

Parents must educate children about the consequences of such actions in terms of the safety of passengers, and loss of precious national resources, at the same time having a lasting impact on their future, he added.

The RPF through a series of public awareness initiatives explained to the people, students and railway passengers that engaging in stone pelting was a criminal offense and could result in long-term consequences on the prospects of the offenders, including restrictions on their career prospects.