In Mumbai: Railway police helpline registers 1,152 complaints on lost belongings

The Government Railway Police helpline received maximum calls will pleas from commuters who lost their belongings on trains

The Government Railway Police (GRP) helpline — 9833331111 — that was launched last year, received the maximum phone calls this year (till October) from commuters who forgot their belongings on the train. A total of 1,152 calls were received.

On an average, the helpline received four calls daily from people asking for help with tracing their belongings, and the GRP have managed to trace 268 bags and other such articles.(HT File Photo)

On an average, the helpline received four calls daily from people asking for help with tracing their belongings, and the GRP have managed to trace 268 bags and other such articles.

There were a total of 1,152 calls received till the first week of October. These belongings that are recovered are normally kept in a store room for a week before being disposed if unclaimed.

A GRP official said, “Many a time, it becomes difficult for us to help commuters who forget their belongings on local trains such as important documents. This is because things in small bags get stolen and then it is quite difficult to trace or recover them. We have managed to do some good work nonetheless.”

The GRP, presently led by inspector-general of police, Niket Kaushik, has managed to trace 17 laptops collectively worth Rs 6.85 lakh, 30 mobile phones collectively worth Rs 2.83 lakh, other belongings worth Rs 4.75 lakh and Rs 1.29 lakh in cash. The total comes to Rs 15.73 lakh, approximately.

Apart from this, about 11 crime cases have been registered after receiving information on crimes by the general public. Another 109 phone calls were received from people informing the GRP about commuters either getting injured or dying in train accidents.

About 120 police officers and GRP personnel were greeted and felicitated by GRP chief Kaushik, this month, for their good work and prompt response to the complaints received on the helpline number.

IN NUMBERS

Calls received against suspicious abandoned bags or activity – 82 (genuine but nothing suspicious was found)

Calls on complaints on missing persons - 26 (two women and seven kids were found)

Calls from women commuters complaining about problems in ladies coaches – 76 (appropriate help was provided)

Calls complaining about the railway administration – 15 (complaints forwarded to railway administration)

Calls from persons with disabilities, against people entering their coaches- 35 (appropriate action was taken)

Hoax calls – 2

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