Rlys fined Rs 1.5 lakh for failing to prevent train robbery

A district consumer forum fined Railways Rs 1.5 lakh  for failing to curb robbery on reserved coaches of Tamil Nadu Express seven years ago.

In a complaint filed before the New Delhi District Consumer Forum, a couple, who are currently residing in Bangalore,  said in January 2008, they had travelled from Chennai to New Delhi on Tamil Nadu Express to attend a wedding. The train made an unscheduled stop at Okhla railway station where six youngsters boarded the train. They robbed the couple of jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh.

The consumer forum awarded a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh to the couple for deficiency of service on part of the Railways. It said the Railways was lax in “not preventing unauthorised persons in the reserved compartment” and for harassment caused.

“Railways is responsible for safety of life and personal belongings of passengers.  It has a duty to prevent incidents which cause loss of personal belongings of passengers,” a three-member panel headed by Judge C K Chaturvedi held.