Now, rail roko a criminal act

BHUBANESWAR: Now rail roko will invite criminal prosecution in the State. The first meeting of the High-level Security Committee for Railways on Monday decided that action would, henceforth, be taken against those causing rail blockade notwithstanding the plea that such actions are “democratic rights” of agitators.With blockades by random agitators and political parties causing huge inconvenience to passengers and loss to National economy, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has started prosecuting those causing such blockade. Director General of Police Dr RP Sharma, who chaired the meeting, on Monday asked Government Railway Police (GRP) to take similar action when required.

The RPF informed the panel that several cases of convictions have already been obtained in Chhattisgarh because courts are convinced about the economic loss caused by the blockade. Those convicted can be penalised for such action.The meeting decided that courts would be apprised about the financial loss occurring due to the rail roko so that agitators can be made economically liable under Section 174 of the Railway Act.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of RPF, Intelligence Bureau and Odisha Police.
The security structure for railways was also discussed during the meet and it was decided to augment intelligence collection about Left Wing Extremists in Southern Odisha districts where the Red rebels enjoy a stronghold. Earlier this year, the Maoists had struck at Muniguda railway station and caused huge damage.

The meeting decided to have separate intelligence collection set-ups by IB, State Intelligence and RPF. These agencies would also have a training session for the purpose.
Besides, it was also decided that more railway stations be brought under CCTV coverage. Dr Sharma said, funds under the Nirbhaya Scheme are available for such surveillance.
He also requested the railway authorities to share CCTV footage with GRP so that thefts and other criminal activities can be detected.

It was also decided to set up a GRP police station at Puri where an outpost is in existence. The railway authorities have been requested to provide a building. Similarly, a GRP outpost will also be set up in Barbil since there is no presence of railway police in the region.
During the meeting, the DGP emphasised on coordinated efforts by GRP and RPF in maintaining a crime-free environment in railway stations. Police personnel involved in wrong doings would face stringent action.

The security committee was recently constituted as mandated by Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting was attended by Director, Intelligence Sunil Roy, IG, Railway Arun Bothra, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, Bhubaneswar Vinita Sharma, IG, RPF, East Coast Railway Atul Pathak and DIG, Intelligence Narasingha Bhola.