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On Monday, RPF caught around 40 people trespassing tracks at Borivali. 32-year-old Akhtar Hamid was caught by the RPF while crossing the tracks to reach platform 2 from platform-1.
Akhtar told Newsline, “Around 1 pm I was caught and brought to RPF office at platform1. I requested the police to leave me and take the bail amount but they did not agree. I was taken to the Andheri Court and a fine of Rs 500 was ordered by the court. I gave Rs 500 to the police but did not get any receipt. I could leave the court only by 4 in the evening.”
An official said, “Under section 147 of Indian Railway Act (which deals with trespassing) trespassing is a bailable offence. A person caught under this section has every right to get bail by giving the bail amount to police. However the RPF is not doing so.”
A senior official at WR added, “80 to 100 passengers are being caught by the RPF at Borivali station daily. It is a drive for the benefit of the people but they should not be harassed. If somebody is ready to give the bail amount they should be granted bail. The police, however, feel that it is better to handover the trespasser to the court.”
Policemen, however, argue that they are carrying out these stringent measures so that they act as a deterrent to others. “A lot of people lose their lives due to trespassing. We are doing this for the benefit of the public. Any person caught trespassing has every right to get a bail.”
Devendra Kasar, senior divisional security commissioner, RPF said, “As I was not well, this thing did not come to my notice. Actually it should not be done I will look into the matter personally.” SN Gujjar, senior police inspector, RPF Borivali, was not available for comment.
First four days see 440 in the net
On January 28 this year Western Railway started ‘Anmol Jeevan’ a massive drive to curb trespassing on the suburban section. In the first four days 440 people were caught while crossing the tracks and a fine of Rs1.25 lakh has was realised. 13 people have been sent to jail. Dadar recorded the maximum number of people caught trespassing. 193 people have been booked for the offence.
The Western Railway in the drive has involved 80 RPF personnel and 25 commercial staff. Various measures such as regular public announcements, newspaper advertisements issued periodically and jingles played over the public address system and radio channels are being used to curb trespassing. Iron bar fencing has been constructed between tracks at all suburban stations and walls have been erected along railway boundaries.
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