Title - GRP, RPF plan to prevent possible Maoist attacks

The Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Vijayawada discussed on how to prevent the possible Maoist attacks and other crimes on moving trains or on isolated railway stations. At a security meeting held here, GRP Superintendent of Police Ch. Syam Prasad, Guntakal Division Railway SP Munu Swamy, RPF Divisional Security Commissioner Ramesh Chandra and officers from about 10 districts talked about impending threats to the railway passengers and properties. Following the Maoist attack on Dhanbad-Patna Intercity Express near Jamui in Bihar on June 13, in which three persons were killed and six others were injured and Chhattisgarh naxal attack killing 29 people, including some Congress party and Salwa Judum leaders on May 25, the railway police were asked to carry weapons compulsorily while on beat duties.

Joint beats

The officers decided to conduct joint beats on moving trains and on platforms, particularly in naxal-affected districts, forests and danger zones. The GRP or the RPF can open fire, if necessary on thieves to protect themselves and the passengers, said the officials. The GRP SPs and the RPF divisional chief said that the police should be alert while on the moving trains in the naxal-dominated areas and keenly observe the bushes and forests along the tracks. As regards thefts by inter-state dacoit gangs, Mr. Syam Prasad said that visible policing is necessary on platforms and on running trains to prevent looting in bogies. The beat constables should carry weapon, torch lights and walkie-talkies and the concerned DSPs and CIs should monitor the beats regularly. Speaking to the newsmen later, Mr. Syam Prasad said that robbery cases in trains have come down during this summer, when compared to the previous years. Vigil has been stepped up in railway stations to avoid movement of anti-social elements. The GRP and RPF will conduct joint operations for providing safe journey to the passengers, he said.

RPF Assistant Commandant Ponna Raju, Vijayawada Railway DSP Rajashekar, Guntur DSP Kasim Baig, Nellore Railway DSP Srinivas and police officers from other districts participated.