The Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have decided to take measures to curb the rising incidence of stone pelting between Kanjurmarg and Vidyavihar stations on the Central Line.
8 cases since April
Since April, the section has witnessed eight incidents of stone pelting. The most recent one was between Ghatkopar and Vikhroli stations on July 8. A senior Central Railway (CR) official said, “Last year we had around 20 cases, mostly on the Harbour Line, and no case was registered in this section.” The official said the high incidence could indicate the role of a gang.
Both the RPF and the GRP have now deployed more personnel to monitor and patrol the section. “We have deployed 24 personnel to patrol the tracks and plainclothes personnel in the vicinity. We are studying the feasibility of installing CCTVs in the section,” said K.K. Ashraf, senior divisional security commissioner, Mumbai division, CR. Mr. Ashraf said they were also holding discussions with the city police as several slums along the tracks do not come under CR’s jurisdiction.
Police officials said prima facie, the probe into the cases do not indicate the hand of locals living along the tracks. A senior police official said, “The cases occur mostly during the morning peak hours. Initially, objects were being thrown from the west side, but after we increased patrolling, the incidents started taking place on the east side.”
Officials said the possibility of the involvement of gangs that earlier committed fatka crimes is being investigated. Officials said fatka cases had reduced from five in February to three in May. So far, no cases have been registered in July.
