MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (h): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (h) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2919 BY SHRIMATI KESHARI DEVI PATEL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.12.2021 REGARDING CRIME IN TRAINS
(a) to (c): ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and, as such, State Governments are responsible for prevention, detection, registration and investigation of crime and maintaining law and order etc. on Railways through their law enforcement agencies viz. Government Railway Police (GRP)/District Police. However, Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of GRP/District Police to provide better protection and security of passenger area and passengers and for matters connected therewith.
Cases of crime under Indian Penal Code (IPC) are registered and investigated by the concerned Government Railway Police. Whenever any information about status of crime on Railways is sought, State GRP is requested to provide information. Based on the data provided by Government Railway Police Stations, there is decrease in cases of theft of passengers belonging’ (TOPB), Dacoity, pickpocketing and other crimes in Rajdhani and other Superfast long distance trains registered during the year 2021 as compared to the year 2019. Data of crime in year 2020 is not considered for comparison as the passenger train operation was severely curtailed due to the onset of Covid-19.
Further, a total of 226 cases of crimes in trains running between Delhi and Kolkata route, have been registered during the last three years i.e. 2018, 2019, 2020 and current year i.e. 2021 (upto November). Each and every case registered by the concerned GRP is investigated & action is taken as per extant legal provisions.
The following steps are also being taken by the Railways in coordination with GRP for safety and security of passengers in trains and at stations:-
1. On vulnerable and identified routes/sections, trains are escorted by Railway Protection Force in addition to trains escorted by Government Railway Police of different States daily.
2. Railway Help Line number 139 is operational (24x7) over Indian Railways for security related assistance to passengers in distress.
3. Drives are conducted from time to time against the entry of unauthorized persons in trains and railway premises.
4. Through various social media platforms viz. twitter, facebook etc., Railways are in regular touch with passengers to enhance security of passengers and to address their security concern.
5. Frequent announcements are made through Public Address System to educate passengers to take precautions against theft, snatching, drugging etc.
6. CCTV cameras have been provided in 4934 coaches and 838 Railway stations for enhancing security of passengers.
7. A Pan-India initiative “Meri Saheli” was launched by RPF on 17.10.2020 with the objective to provide enhanced safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains for their entire journey i.e. from the originating station to destination station. The focus is to provide the security to lady passengers especially those travelling alone and to instil a sense of security in them. Teams of lady officers and staff have been formed who are well trained and briefed about the objective.
8. Ladies Special trains running in Metropolitan cities are being escorted by lady RPF personnel. In other trains, where escorts are provided, the train escorting parties have been briefed to keep extra vigil on the lady passengers travelling alone, ladies coaches en-route and at halting stations.
9. Emergency Talk Back System and Closed Circuit Television Surveillance Cameras have been provided in ladies compartments/coaches of all newly manufactured Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) and Air-conditioned rakes of Kolkata Metro. Flasher lights have also been provided in ladies coaches in EMU rakes in some zonal railways.
10. State Level Security Committee of Railways (SLSCR) have been constituted for all State/Union Territories under the Chairmanship of respective Director General of Police/Commissioner of States/Union Territories for regular monitoring and review of security arrangements of the Railways.
(d) to (h): No, Sir. During the last five years i.e. 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and current year i.e. 2021 (upto November), a total of 1106 cases of parcel theft have been registered across Indian Railways wherein 09 railway employees have been arrested during course of enquiry. Appropriate legal action followed by stringent disciplinary action, is taken against the Railway employee(s) found involved in cases of parcel theft.
Following steps are being taken by the Railways to prevent theft of Railway Property/Goods transported through railways:-
1. All major railway stations, deports, yards and other vital installations are manned by Railway Protection Force round the clock.
2. Escorting of affected passengers & goods trains in identified vulnerable sections is being done.
3. Strengthening of basic security arrangements at Railway yards, Goods Sheds and Parcel Sheds is being done.
4. Frequent drives are conducted against undesirable elements in trains and railway premises to prevent such thefts.
5. Surveillance is kept through Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, provided at about 838 railway stations.
6. Adequate security measures are taken at identified black spots from time to time.
7. All cases of theft of Railway property/booked consignment are promptly registered, enquired and arrested criminals are prosecuted as per law.
8. Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) and Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) of RPF keep regular watch and collect intelligence from time to time about active criminals indulged in theft of Railway Property/Goods transported through Railways.
9. Regular co-ordination meetings are conducted with GRP/Civil Police for collection and sharing of criminal intelligence.
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