Crime at suburban railway stations in the city has increased this year, according to data released by the Government Railway Police (GRP). A total of 4,757 cases have been registered between January and June this year, while the figure for the whole of last year was 3,707. However, Railway officials say only 2% of crimes are reported by passengers.
A senior railway police official said, “The rise in crime is worrying. The cases have increased as a new rule mandates registering missing cases under thefts.” Officials said the rate of crime detection has also risen owing to the wide presence of CCTV cameras at stations.
Ensuring safety of women inside coaches and on platforms has been a long-standing demand of passengers’ associations. Despite repeated demands the number of coaches reserved for women have not been increased. About 77 lakh passengers, including 16.5 lakh women, commute every day on the Central and Western Lines. Asha Idnani, member, Suburban Railway Users Consultative Committee, said, “The rise in crime is a serious issue and railway authorities should take measures to reduce it. The police should be more alert and ensure men do not board ladies’ coaches. The Railways should take pains to step up the security of women passengers.”
Jai Jeet Singh, Additional Director General of Police, GRP, said, “Despite our best efforts, crimes against women continue to take place. We have been cracking the cases and bringing offenders to book.” A railway police official said many cases often went unreported because women were deterred by the lengthy procedures to file complaints and register an FIR. Mr. Singh said, “Many women also maintain silence and fail to speak up against the crimes. The cycle of silence and victimisation should be broken.”
