Terming as “very grave” the recent sabotage attempts on the railway tracks between Kasaragod and Mangalore stretch, authorities have decided to intensify surveillance on the double line tracks and bridges on the busy route.
A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting attended by senior railway officials, Railway Protection Force and local police officials at the office of the Superintendent of Police here on Monday.
The move comes in the backdrop of placing of heavy iron rod across the track at Manjeshwaram and huge stones near Kumbla, pelting stones on running trains and other identical incidents near Uppala in recent months, S. Surendran, Superintendent of Police, Kasaragod, told The Hindu on Tuesday.
At the meeting, it was decided to intensify joint patrolling by local police and Railway Police along the tracks and bridges along the 50 KM long stretch while efforts are underway to nab the anti-social elements behind the subversive activities, he said.
The meeting attributed the recurring incidents to handiworks of criminals who used to place heavy materials like stones and iron roads on the tracks as part of sabotage attempts especially during night hours.
Major train mishaps were averted due to the timely notice of railway employees and locals. However, no one could be nabbed so far in connection with the incidents, he said.
It has been decided to launch awareness campaign for those residing near the railway tracks and to inform the police on spotting persons under suspicious circumstances, Mr. Surendran, who chaired the meeting, said.
