In the wake of the Piravom incident, the Railway Protection Force is planning to start night patrolling, especially at important bridges.
“We’ve got instructions to strengthen train/ platform checks and start night patrolling during the upcoming Onam season. We’re trying to overcome the issue of staff crunch to make the initiative effective,” a top RPF official said.
However, the RPF won’t withdraw personnel deployed in trains for patrolling duty.
“Piravom is a centre where trains halt for crossings, especially at night. The records show that chain snatchers are active in this part of the track.
However, we’ve succeeded in bringing down the rate of crimes in trains by co-ordinating with the local police and ensuring that police personnel are present in almost all trains. So, maybe, the mischief-makers wanted to shift their focus,” the official said.
He said the RPF would ask for more personnel from the state police on a temporary basis