Pelting stones at trains a criminal Act
Mangaluru: Frequent incidents of pelting stones at trains have been reported, especially between Kasaragod and Mangaluru / Shoranur-Vatakara stations during this year. Palakkad Railway Division has taken stern measures against such incidents.
Railway Protection Force and Railway Police personnel are scaling the area without attracting local attention.
Awareness classes are being conducted at Schools, Colleges and other institutions and public administrative bodies located near to Railway tracks, with the support of public representatives.
Vehicle patrolling has been arranged during night hours.
Pelting stones on trains is a criminal offense under sections 153 & 154 prescribed in Railway Act. Section 153 relates to willful act on the part of the offender, rendering punishment not less than imprisonment, while Section 154 relates to a rash or negligent act or omission by the offender, inviting fine or imprisonment or both.
The number of cases of stone pelting on trains reported during the year 2016 at the following stations are:
Between Kasaragod and Mangaluru : 4 cases
Between Shoranur and Vatakara : 8 cases
Between Palakkad and Podanur : 2 cases
Between Palakkad and Pollachi : 1 case
The passengers have sustained injuries in most of the above cases, apart from the damage of the window glasses of engine and coach of trains. The Loco Pilots, Guards and in some cases, the Station staff managed to escape only narrowly from the pelted stones. In a singular incident at Mangaluru Central yard, the coaching staff sustained head injuries when a few miscreants pelted stones on them. Two of these miscreants have been arrested subsequently.
If any such incidents are noticed, the toll-free helpline number of “182” may be promptly contacted.