Maligaon, Jan 19: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of N. F. Railway has intensified its awareness campaign against the menace of stone pelting on trains, drugging, human trafficking, crime against women passenger etc.
This is part of its ‘Operation Janjagaran’ covering nearby localities of Railway tracks and stations, villages, schools etc. The aim is to counsel them about the consequence of such menaces on trains and its repercussions on passenger safety. Posters, pamphlets and other publicity literature are being distributed to make local peoples aware about the perils of such menaces.
The RPF deployment has been done in sections/areas where such incidents take place to ensure safe passage of trains. RPF is doing surprise checks at vulnerable locations and taking legal action against the offender to curb the menace.
A total of 56 incidents of stone pelting were reported over N. F. Railway during the year 2022. Till 17th January of the current year three incidents were reported and three persons were arrested in this connection.
Pelting stones or similar objects on trains is a criminal offence under sections 152, 153 & 154 prescribed in Railway Act. The offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend upto ten years.
The N. F. Railway appealed to the general public and passengers to inform on the toll-free helpline number (139) if they come across incidents such as trespassing and stone pelting etc. Railway property is public property and protection of public property is everybody’s responsibility.