Increased patrolling to prevent crime

In the wake of the criticism after the acid attack at Bandra Terminus and battling staff crunch, the Government Railway Police (GRP) officials now want women commuters to travel only in coaches guarded by policemen in the wee hours.

In the wake of the criticism after the acid attack at Bandra Terminus and battling staff crunch, the Government Railway Police (GRP) officials now want women commuters to travel only in coaches guarded by policemen in the wee hours.

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With no attention being paid to their demand for more officials to battle women-related crimes the policemen are now resorting to other measures.

“Our team positioned outside the middle women’s compartment asks women commuters to board only the coaches where policemen have been deployed,” said Rajendra Pal, GRP inspector who heads the women’s cell.

A GRP policeman each is deployed in two second-class women’s coaches at the extreme ends of a train.

“Though the proposal for deployment of 100 women constables is yet to be cleared, we need 2,000 policemen for smooth functioning.

The railways should also take equal responsibility for safety of women. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has never been proactive in asking for more personnel to share the responsibility,” said Prabhat Kumar, commissioner, GRP.

“We have increased the number of policemen in civil clothes to patrol the platforms. Women’s desks have been put up at al police stations,” said Pal.