Security arrangements lacking at railway stations,say officials

Officials said the sanctioned strength of GRP at Pune station is 170. Currently,there are only 125 constables. According to insiders,given the large jurisdiction of the station,it actually needs over 200 policemen.

“To secure the station from miscreants and anti-social elements,we need to deploy policemen at each of the dozen entry points. We also need policemen at platforms and on trains. Since,there’s a shortage of staff,we struggle with the required security measures,” said an official.

According to this official,a number of policemen have to be deployed to secure frequent VIP visits,which further shrinks the availability of staff.

Of the 125 constables,only 12 are women. Officials say there should be at least 50. “They are required to be deployed at women’s coaches in locals,express,passenger trains and on platforms,” said the official.

The sanctioned strength of the RPF is 514 and currently almost as many as 100 posts are vacant. “We have 414 policemen with us and plan to recruit 200 more. But,the plan has remained on paper,” said a senior official.

Another senior railway official who did not wish to be named said,“There’s a shortage of staff everywhere,in every government department. Despite repeated requests,recruitment is not carried out. A decision needs to be taken at a higher level.”

Railway employee faces suspension for running business on govt property

A class IV railway employee with the carriage and wagon department (C&W) may face suspension. Serious allegations were levelled against him by a senior inspector with the Railway Protection Force (RPF),a senior railway official said Wednesday.

Anil Gaikwad and his wife Sunita,who are facing multiple charges,are yet to be located by police.

Police,investigating the case,believe Gaikwad and his wife may have fled to Mumbai.

Senior inspector (RPF) A K Lakhoria had registered an FIR with Bundgarden police alleging that Gaikwad and his wife (resident of railway quarters on Tadiwala Road) ran a illegal cement shop and a commercial idli preparation unit on railway property.

According to the complaint,Gaikwad stole electricity and water to run his commercial ventures and also allegedly assaulted Lakhoria by pelting him with stones when he was inspecting the premises.

“Gaikwad has not reported to office since then. He can be suspended for not attending work as well as on the basis that he was involved in other commercial activities despite being a full-time railway employee,” said a senior official with the C&W department.

“I met railway officials and have asked for their help in locating Gaikwad,” said senior inspector S D Waghmare,Bundgarden police.