Railway police launch combing operations

Kochi: If you are a youth and travelling alone,  there is every chance that the railway police would query about the  purpose of your journey and the identity proofs in the coming days.

In the wake of the brutal assault of a family travelling in a disabled coach, a special squad consisting of personnel from both the Railway Protection Force (RFP) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) has been formed to conduct round-the- clock combing operations in railway stations and trains.

However, the railway authorities ruled out the provision of onboard security by deploying police personnel at least in long-haul trains like Kerala Express, citing acute staff shortage.

“The squad will keep an eye on suspicious persons, especially youths travelling alone. An analysis of baggage thefts and other crimes in trains running through the state reveals that often the perpetrators are youths hailing from areas like Salem, Coimbatore and Jolerpet. We’ll ask their journey purpose and if not satisfactory, will interrogate them further. The railway police are  also monitoring which trains and areas have a high incidence of crimes being reported,” said a senior RPF officer.

The escort facility is currently provided in passenger and MEMU trains operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. only, that too with great difficulty due to the staff crunch, he said.

Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Bajpai too echoed the same view, “We try to provide security where risk perception is high. If criminals target trains or coaches without security, every coach needs to be secured. That’s obviously impractical. In this case, the cops have done an excellent job. If the criminals can’t get away with their acts, it would be an effective deterrent,” he said.