Stones hurled at trains: 65 cases registered, 98 people nabbed

NEW DELHI: As many as 70 incidents were reported and 98 people were nabbed for throwing stones at trains in the year 2019.

The investigation was done by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) into such incidents established that most of the culprits have no reason behind hurling stones at trains.

The RPF data accessed by

revealed that up to September, as many as 65 among 70 cases were registered and 98 accused were nabbed.

"Last year, more than 200 such incidents were reported from the Delhi division. Around 143 cases were registered and 229 people were apprehended," data reveals.

The culprits were booked under section in the Railways Act.

Senior Divisional Commissioner (RPF) AN Jha said, "The most affected stretches are Patel Nagar to Daya Basti and Patel Nagar to Adarsh Nagar side. From these areas we regularly got complaints. In most of the incidents, children threw stones."

He further said that in the past six months, two cases were reported in which few people received minor injuries.

According to Jha, during counseling, there was no logical reason given by the accused behind hurling stones.

"Most of them said that they saw the train and threw the stone," said Jha adding that stones hurling resulted in damaging of railway property.

Another official said, "Few drunkards were also found involved in the act. They threw stones on trains for fun," another official said.

Senior DSC also said that they have also distributed sports items or chocolates to children who live in the slums near railway tracks so that they can get themselves engage in good activities.

Security Commissioner (East) Harish Papola said that they regularly create awareness among those who live in the vicinity of rail tracks.

"We take various steps like distribution of pamphlets to curb the menace. We also talk to children's parents to make sure that their kids do not pelt stones at trains, " said Harish Papola.

Last year, over 200 such incidents were reported