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Tamil Nadu
7 drugging offences are reported in trains so far inspite of programmes conducted by RPF, writes R. Rajaram 
Less impact: A flex board installed by the Railway Protection Force at Tiruchi Junction cautioning rail travellers to be alert while travelling. The recent incident of a Tiruchi-bound rail traveller reportedly relieved of cash after being “drugged” by culprits travelling as bonafide passengers in the Mumbai-Madurai Lokmanya Tilak Express points to persisting doping offences in long distance trains. The victim B. Backiaraj who boarded at Mumbai in a reserved coach was found in a semi-conscious state upon arrival of the train at Tiruchi Junction. The Government Railway Police (GRP) got a clear picture upon enquiring Backiaraj after he regained his consciousness at the Government Hospital where he was treated. Backiaraj, it is said, had consumed biscuits laced with sedatives offered by a fellow traveller when the train approached Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh and knew nothing after that. He lost Rs. 4,000 cash he had kept in his wallet. Though the GRP could not proceed with the matter as the victim did not prefer a complaint, it was yet another drugging offence that surfaced in spite of the awareness programmes carried out by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and GRP, and detection of such crimes. Seven drugging offences in trains have been reported so far this year with three taking place in Southern Railway Zone limits and the rest in other zones. During the last two years alone, over 50 drugging cases have been reported of which fifty per cent took place in Southern Railway limits, say RPF authorities. Culprits travelling as bonafide passengers in long distance trains strike a chord with fellow travellers to target the ‘gullible’ ones offering them drugged eatables that could make them unconscious for several hours, and decamp with cash and valuables. This has been the modus operandi of doping offenders for whom there is hardly any distinction between a reserved or unreserved coach, say GRP and RPF authorities who send escort teams in long distance trains. The sedatives-mixed eatables have been biscuits, soft drinks and even fruits, say security personnel. The culprits travel for several hours to gain the confidence of their “target” before attempting the crime. In some cases, women have also been found involved in drugging offences, says a top RPF official. Fixing the exact crime scene becomes difficult in such cases as the offences take place in moving trains. In 2008, 12 drugging cases were transferred to other zones as the crime had taken place before the trains entered Southern Railway jurisdiction. Five cases were detected last year and seven were under investigation, say RPF authorities who have been organising awareness programmes periodically, sensitising the public to the dos and don’ts to be followed while travelling. Decoy checks were being conducted in various trains in all railway divisions in Southern Railway with a view to prevent such offences, the official said. The GRP’s website www.grptamilnadu. org contains photographs of some “doping criminals” to create awareness among public about such elements. Alertness is equally vital on the part of rail travellers. They should desist from consuming eatables given by strangers, say security personnel.
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