Molestation case: GRP,rly officials ‘pass the buck’

Between 2011 and 2012,there has been a 162.5 per cent increase in the number of molestation cases reported at railway stations and on trains.

Asked about a review of security provided to women passenger on Mumbai locals,Prabhat Kumar,commissioner (GRP),said,“There is no immediate review. We have already submitted a plan to the railways about our deployment. There are 1,000 coaches that have to be manned at night; GRP is deployed in 350. The railways has to decide whether it has to deploy RPF,Home Guards or private security guards to man the remaining coaches. Safety of passengers has to be determined by the railways.”

A senior railway official,who was a part of a meeting held nearly 45 days ago with the railway police,said,“It was suggested that the guard,motorman and the security personnel must contact each other prior to the journey. This will not only ensure attendance but also provide coordination among the rail crew and police in case of an emergency.”

Sharat Chandrayan,chief public relations officer,WR,said,“We will provide GRP whatever assistance they require.”

On Saturday morning,Devendra Shinde,a Borivali GRP constable,was suspended after he missed the train on which a nurse was assaulted and molested by 27-year-old Devraj Kanaka. Shinde missed the train as he was napping,said Rajendra Trivedi,senior inspector,Mumbai Central GRP. Kanaka was handed over to the police by fellow commuters.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com