Question : THEFT IN RAIL MUSEUM

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned “Fairy queen engine parts stolen from Museum” as reported in the “Indian Express” dated July 29, 2004;

(b) if so, whether the Railway Museum at Chankayapuri has been the target of thieves to stole engine parts;

(c) whether the Government has made or ordered any inquiry into the incidence;

(d) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

(e) the action taken/to be taken against the persons involved in the scam;

(f) whether the missing parts are to be replaced by the duplicates;

(g) if so, the details thereof and their impact on the working of Engine; and

(h) the steps taken by the Government to check such thefts

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )

(a): Yes, Sir. 2 brass handles and 4 copper pipes of 4 to 5 feet (1.22 to 1.52 metres) length, valued Rs.500/- approximately were found stolen on the night of 25/26.7.2004 from “Fairy Queen” Engine No.EIR-22, a 149-year old steam locomotive, standing at National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

(b): No, Sir.

(c)&(d): Yes, Sir. On the report lodged by the Technical Assistant of National Rail Museum, Delhi Police, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi has registered a case. No.176/04 U/S 379 IPC dated 28-7-2004 and investigated. Recovery of 1 brass handle and 10 pieces of copper pipes valued Rs.400/- approximately from the bushes outside the boundary wall of National Rail Museum, has been effected.

(e): No employee was found involved in this case.

(f)&(g): Although the stolen parts have been found, they are in the custody of police. Therefore at present missing parts are being replaced by “look alike original parts.” The parts to be replaced are same that were stolen. There will be no adverse impact on the working of the engine.

(h): Director, National Rail Museum has been instructed to make arrangements for raising the boundary wall of the Museum and provide a barbed wire fencing on it to prevent scaling of the boundary wall by criminals. Additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff have been temporarily provided for better security.