Question : THEFT AND DACOITIES IN TRAINS

(a) whether the Government are aware that cases of theft and dacoity in trains are increasing;

(b) if so, the details of such incidents during the past one year; and

(c) the action taken to ensure safety of passengers and their belongings?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS ( SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL )

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.165 BY SHRI MANIBHAI RAMJIBHAI CHAUDHRI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 02.8.2001 REGARDING THEFT AND DACOITIES IN TRAINS.

(a) No, Sir. The information available with this Ministry indicates that the cases of theft and dacoity in trains are showing a decreasing trend.

(b) During the year 2000-2001, 106 cases of dacoity and 6924 cases of theft of passenger belongings were reported as compared to 109 cases of dacoity and 7259 cases of theft of passengers belongings reported during 1999-2000.

(c) “Policing” being a State subject, prevention of crime on Railways including running trains is the Constitutional responsibility of the State Governments. However, the Railway have taken the following steps to check crime:

1. Accommodation is provided to the Government Railway Police personnel for escorting the trains. Accommodation is also provided to Mobile Police Stations, on selected trains.

2. Monitoring through CCTV and announcements through Public Address System are made at important Railway stations to alert the travelling public against theft etc.

3. Anti-social elements are removed from Railway premises and the trains by Railway personnel.

4. Regular Coordination Meetings are held between the Railways and the Police Authorities to ensure adequate security to the passengers.

5. Exchange of intelligence on crime and criminality is done between the Railways and the Police Authorities.