New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) In a span of five years (2021–2025), authorities apprehended a staggering 52,494 individuals under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966, for illegally possessing properties owned by the Indian Railways.

Official reports presented in Parliament indicate that 50,432 offenders faced legal action in court.

The responsibility of safeguarding railway properties lies with the Railway Protection Force, which holds the authority to file cases involving theft, fraudulent appropriation, abetment, and conspiracy under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966.

Upon filing charges, an inquiry is initiated, leading to a formal complaint submitted to the Special Railway Magistrate's court, or, in regions lacking special railway courts, to the district courts.

During these five years, there were 12,157 recorded incidents of stone pelting, resulting in the arrest of 8,441 individuals by the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police, as reported by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Only three derailments linked to unlawful activities were reported, occurring in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway, Jhansi Division of North Central Railway, and Chennai Division of Southern Railway during this timeframe.

To mitigate criminal interference with railway tracks, regular meetings of the State-Level Security Committees are conducted. Each state has established these committees under the leadership of the Directors General of Police, including representatives from the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, and intelligence units.

The Railway Protection Force maintains ongoing collaboration with state police authorities to combat crime, manage case registrations, conduct investigations, and ensure the secure operation of trains, particularly focusing on sabotage threats and information sharing.

Vigilant patrolling occurs in identified high-risk areas, conducted by the Railways, Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, and Civil Police. Regular efforts are made to clear any loose materials near railway tracks that could be exploited by criminals to disrupt train services.

Moreover, local residents living adjacent to railway lines are being educated about the risks associated with placing foreign materials on tracks, removing rail components, and constructing reels. They are encouraged to observe and report any suspicious activities immediately. Surveillance efforts also include the use of drones and solar-powered closed-circuit television systems.