Colourful march past, distribution of cash award, blood donation camp marked the Railway Protection Force Raising Day at the Railway Ground here on Monday.
The RPF celebrates its Raising Day to commemorate the conferment of the status of armed forces to RPF by an Act of Parliament on September 20, 1957.
Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, who was the chief guest, inspected the guard of honour. He also witnessed the colourful march past by the RPF contingent.
The parade was commanded by Aravindkumar, Inspector, CIB, RPF.
While addressing the gathering , Mr. Verma lauded the active role played by the RPF in protecting the railway property and ensuring the safety of rail passengers.
He also praised the role of RPF, Salem Division, in working along with commercial and other branches during the ticket checks and other activities.
In the surprise check conducted against ticketless travellers, RPF played an active role in booking of 27,200 persons and collection of Rs.99,92,806, he added.
He pointed out that during 2015-16, 39 cases were registered by RPF, Salem division, after apprehending 41 criminals in connection with the theft of railway property and their recovery to the tune of Rs.1.02 lakh and prosecuted 7,200 offenders, resulting in collection of Rs.25.71 lakhs as fine under various categories of Railways Act.
Towards prevention of touts, he said that RPF, Salem, has apprehended 21 black ticket marketing agents, seizing tickets worth Rs.2.47 lakh from them and they were fined to the tune of Rs.45,000. He also praised RPF in playing a proactive role by conducting 174 awareness campaigns in 2015-16.
He announced a cash award of Rs.3000 to each of the contingents, over and above the group award of Rs.10,000, for the outstanding service.
He also appreciated P. Raajmohan, Divisional Security Commissioner, Salem, for the outstanding performance of the RPF, Salem division.
A blood donation camp was also organised on the occasion in which 25 staff, officers and RPF personnel donated blood.
