(a) whether the State Government of Bihar has confiscated 273 UP Bhikhna
Thori-Narkatiaganj passenger train on February 20, 2004 along with
contraband forest timber and other produce which were being
smuggled abroad; and
(b) if so, the details of the seizure and since when this
smuggling racket was in operation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )
(a): No, Sir. But Train No. 273 up Bhikhnathori – Narkatiaganj
passenger was forcibly stopped near gate No. I/C-20 between
Bhikhnathori – Narkatiaganj Railway Stations placing a red flag
banner on track by Divisional Forest Officer / Betiah for checking
the train. Divisional Forest Officer / Betiah, further forcibly
detained the train by disconnecting the Hose Pipes. A seizure
memo was prepared by the Divisional Forest Officer in which
seizure of Engine and Coaches were shown and Guard and driver of
the train were compelled to sign on the same. The Forest
Department officials further compelled the Guard and Driver to sit
in Forest Department vehicle but on the protest by the travelling
passengers, the Guard and Driver were released. Due to this
incident, the train suffered detention at the site for one hour.
(b): Divisional Forest Officer/ Betiah has not made any seizure of
forest products in the said train taking the signature of the
Guard and Driver and no intimation regarding seizure of Forest
Products in the said train was given to Railway Administration by
Forest Department officials.
On the written statement of the Guard and Driver of the train,
Government Railway Police (GRP)/Narkatiaganj has registered a case
no. 05/04 dated 20.2.2004 under section 146/150/174 of the
Railways Act,1989 and section 342, 353 of the IPC against the
Divisional Forest Officer / Betiah and others.
The Bhiknathori – Narkatiaganj section is affected for
unauthorized carrying of forest products by the local villagers.
No report of smuggling aboard of forest products has been received
by the Railways from Forest Department. However, in order to stop
the unauthorized carrying of forest products, RPF conducts checks
in the train from time to time and succeeded in recovery of forest
products worth Rs. 1,82,000/-, during the current year 2004 till
November which were handed over to the Forest Department for
further legal action.