Even as intelligence sleuths alert police over possible terrorist attacks on railway stations and infiltration through trains, no foolproof measures have been taken to enhance vigil at busy stations.
In 2013, the Intelligence wing had cautioned the State Police against suspected terror groups targeting public places, particularly railway stations and had even pointed out that a ‘recce’ had been done on the Vijayawada railway station.
Subsequently, the Railways, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the civil police were told to install surveillance cameras at parking lots, lounges, canteens, ticket and enquiry counters. They were also directed to streamline checking at entrances to railway stations. However, the directive was not properly complied with.
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The GRP took several Bangladeshi nationals into custody at the Rajahmundry railway station for travelling without visa and related documents last year.
In fact, an Intelligence Bureau official had cautioned the railway authorities and police against infiltration through trains from neighbouring countries. “On information, we checked the Bangladeshi passengers at the Rajahmundry railway station, and we found that they were travelling without valid documents,” said Vijayawada Division GRP Superintendent of Police Ch. Syam Prasad. The Nagayalanka police arrested a Bangladeshi national in Krishna district in June last year. Police seized more than 2,000 gelatin sticks and wire bundles at the Guntur railway station late last year, but the case was undetected. In June, 2013, the Vijayawada City Police seized Pakistani currency, which was smuggled into India through trains. Two persons were arrested in this connection. “Owing to poor vigil, trains and railway stations have become targets for anti-social elements. We request the government to install more CC cameras and sanction the required staff to step up vigil at stations and on trains,” Mr. Syam Prasad said.