RPF spots 5 sites, uses novel strategy to nab stone pelters

CHANDIGARH: Taking a serious note on the Shatabdi Express stone-pelting incident which took place on May 15, the Chandigarh railway protection force (RPF) has identified five sensitive spots. Special staff has been deployed in order to avoid such incidents.
'Dosti', a special drive has also been launched by the RPF under which residents, especially children, who are residing near the tracks, are being sensitized on not getting indulged in such practice as it is punishable under the Railway Act.
On the directions of C Raghuveer, senior divisional security commissioner, Ambala division, said the RPF conducted a survey and identified five sensitive spots, including Mauli Jagran, Dhakoli, Lalru, near the CID office in Panchkula and Baldevnagar.
Special staff has been deployed at these areas during the Shatabdi Express movement.
RPF SHO Rajesh Rana said they had identified these spots on the basis of the past incidents of stone pelting.
He said they were directed this time by the authorities concerned that trespassers should not be spared under Sections 147/153 of the Railway Act.
He said the RPF had booked 15 persons under the trespasser Railway Act in the last five days and they had been punished.
"Team members have been asked that no person is allowed to roam near the track," he added.
In the past, the RPF booked a person involved in stone pelting as per the Railway Act, 1989, and Section 152 under which an offender can be punished minimum 10 years of imprisonment to life term. The court can also impose fine on the offender.
The RPF is going to continue the drive for a fortnight because of summer holidays and children between 9 and 14 years of age are involved in stone pelting. A RPF constable will also be deployed in the engine of the evening Shatabdi Express to keep a check on stone pelting.
Usually, RPF personnel commute in coaches of all the trains for the safety of the passengers. There are six Shatabdis which ply up and down from New Delhi to Chandigarh and these trains are the main target of the stone palters as per the GRP officials.
The RPF staff conducted a survey and found that incidents of stone pelting happened at the evening Shatabdi Express in the recent past.