GRP to introduce tag system for baggage in trains

The government is taking several measures to control crime in trains and on platforms, said Vijayawada Government Railway Police (GRP) in-charge Superintendent of Police M. Kantha Rao.

The GRP will work with NGOs, and arrange rehabilitation for missing/runaway children, he said.

Surveillance cameras would be installed to check the movements of offenders on platforms and more complaint boxes would be arranged in railway stations. A State-level Control Room has been set up in Hyderabad, and passengers can alert the railway police (round-the-clock) by calling over 040-27702339.

Documentaries would be screened in railway stations on different types of thefts/sedating to keep the passengers alert. Instructions have been given to the police to register cases immediately after receiving a complaint, and very soon the police will issue FIR copy to the complainant at free of cost, said Dr. Kantha Rao.

The government has represented the Railway Board about shortage of staff in GRP and steps were being taken to increase the force in all railway stations and provide security for passengers in trains as well as stations.

In view of the spurt in thefts in air-conditioned bogies, the railway police will introduce tag system for baggage in all trains in Vijayawada railway station soon.

The tag containing the information of the passenger will be pasted on the luggage and checked while the passenger was alighting.

Mr. Rao, who was the Superintendent of Police of Secunderabad GRP, took additional charge as the SP here on Saturday.

Addressing the newsmen he said the government was organising combined training for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the GRP in Secunderabad and a similar programme was proposed in Vijayawada too.

To rehabilitate missing children and women on platforms, the railway police will arrange meetings with the Women Development and Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Board.

The SP said the police identified the gang who drugged the passengers and escaped with jewellery in Nizamuddin Express train recently. The gang sedated the passengers and looted the passengers earlier and the Secunderabad GRP are making efforts to nab the gang.