(a) whether recently the naxalities had hijacked the Tata-Kharagpur passenger train and looted the weapons of RPF jawans;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith loss of lives and properties therein; and
(c) the stringent action proposed to be taken by the Railways to check the recurrence of such incidents?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. On 10.12.2006 Train No.346 Dn. (Tata-Kharagpur Passenger) was stopped
at 10.17 hrs. by pulling alarm chain between Chakulia and Kani Mohali in passenger
halt in Kharagpur – Tata Nagar section over South Eastern Railway. A gang of
naxalites, who were sitting in disguise of passengers in the SLR compartment attached
to Guard’s Lobby attacked the Cash Escort Party of Railway Protection Force and
snatched away the arms and ammunitions from both the RPF personnel. The Railway
Protection Force staff sustained bleeding injuries on their persons during the attack.
The naxalites also snatched two walkie-talkie sets and whistle from the Driver and
the Guard respectively. However, there was no loss of life in this incident.
In this connection, Government Railway Police / Tata Nagar registered a case vide
Cr.No.100/2005 dated 10.12.2006 U/S 395, 397 Indian Penal Code (IPC), 27 Arms Act
and 17 Criminal Law Amendment Act and arrested one miscreant.
(c): The following actions are being taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future :-
(1) The strength of Cash and Train Escorting Party of Railway Protection Force in the said
affected section has been increased.
(2) Training to Railway Protection Force personnel in counter-insurgency is being imparted
to enable them to handle ambush attacks effectively.
(3) Intelligence is being collected regarding the movement of the subversive groups in the
affected sections in close liaison with State and Central Intelligence Agencies for taking
appropriate preventive steps in time.
(4) Close co-ordination with Civil Police, Government Railway Police and other Central
Intelligence Agencies is being maintained for sharing of intelligence.