RPF wants top cop to stop illegal train travel by policemen

After having caught 90 policemen since 2012 for travelling illegally in train coaches reserved for the handicap, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has now decided to approach the police chief.

After having caught 90 policemen since 2012 for travelling illegally in train coaches reserved for the handicap, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has now decided to approach the police chief.

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The RPF will be writing to the Mumbai police commissioner, asking him to take measures to curb this habit of his personnel.

The railway police started its drive against illegal travellers after receiving several complaints from disabled commuters that they could not board the coaches reserved for them.

Last week, the RPF caught around 50 illegal travellers, of which 17 were policemen.

“A letter will be sent by the divisional railway manager (DRM) on behalf of the railways to the Mumbai police commissioner stating the reality of policemen being penalised for travelling in reserved coaches, without tickets. We will also ask them to take requisite steps to curb such behaviour of the policemen,” said Alok Bohra, senior deputy security commissioner, RPF.

According to RPF officials, most policemen generally board the compartments from areas such as Ambernath and Badlapur making it difficult for eligible passengers to board the compartment.

During its drives on the western and central railways on July 3, the RPF penalised 27 persons, including eight policemen, who were travelling in civil clothes. They were booked under the Railway Act on July 3.

On July 6, another 20 people were caught from Dadar station. This time there were nine policemen, who were let off after paying a fine of Rs255 each.

They were also made to sign an undertaking that they won’t commit the same offence again.