Lucknow Metro: Passengers try to sneak in ghutka
Many people tried to board the train with paan masala packets hidden in their belts, socks and pockets. 30 kg of prohibited stuff, including paan masala, paan, bidis, cigarettes, lighters and matchboxes seized from travelers in two days.
Paan masala/gutkha chewing people are not ready to change for Lucknow Metro’s cleanliness, so it seems.
On Thursday, many people tried to board the train with paan masala packets hidden in their belts, socks and pockets, but the alert security personnel seized tobacco stuff including paan masala, paan and bidis from them. In two days, 30 kg of prohibited stuff was recovered from passengers.
Lighters, matchboxes and around 60 boxes of cigarettes were also recovered from commuters in the scanning area before boarding the train, said sources in the Metro.
Seventeen people who were trying to sneak through the security area without getting scanned and frisked were let off after a warning. Five others were released after strict warning when they spat on the Charbagh Metro station premises.
Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation MD Kumar Keshav said, “We thank all Metro commuters for cooperating with officials in keeping Lucknow Metro clean and environmental-friendly. LMRC is already educating people about the importance of keeping the Metro stations clean.”
“Metro is an international standard facility – one of the best in the world. We have created best stations, coaches and other facilities. It’s up to everyone to maintain them and feel proud of their Metro. Lucknowites must take pride in keeping the Metro clean,” he added.
He said, “Most of the commuters cooperated in frisking while entering Metro premises. Only a few raised objections as they were carrying gutkha, match boxes and other edible items. Due to tight security, officials were able to collect approximately 30 kg tobacco and related prohibited items (paan, gutkha, paan masala, cigarettes etc.) from the commuters in the last two days.”
The seized tobacco material will be handed over to the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) or burnt at a secluded place in a safe manner, as per municipal rules, said Keshav.
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
Drunken behaviour, vandalism, indecency, use of offensive and abusive language is punishable with a fine
If any person throws an object with intent to damage any part of the train or its passengers, will be punished with a life sentence or rigorous imprisonment extending up to 10 years.
Damage to any property or causing fire hazards or explosions will result in imprisonment extending up to 10 years.
Carrying dangerous and offensive material on Metro Rail is punishable with imprisonment extending up to 4 years and a fine of up to Rs 5000.
Putting up posters without lawful authority or defacing the Metro premises or trains will invite penalties, which may extend up to 6 months imprisonment and /or a fine up to Rs 1000.
Walking on Metro tracks without lawful authority will be punishable by imprisonment up to 6 months or a fine of up to Rs. 500 or both.
Read more: Wall paan-ted red at Alambagh Metro station Lucknow
Damaging Metro boards or documents shall be punishable with imprisonment up to 2 months and/or penalty of Rs 250.
Tampering with any safety device and endangering the safety of passengers or obstructing trains will result in imprisonment, extending up to 7 years.
