GRP to move court over bail to criminals

To tighten noose around criminals involved in loot and dacoity in trains, the Government Railway Police (GRP) has decided to approach court requesting it to grant bail to the accused only after establishing the credentials of the guarantors who deposit money or bond for their release.

Facing flak over increasing crime in trains, GRP had, some time back, launched a drive against criminal gangs operating onboard. To their astonishment, the officers found that several culprits had walked out of the jail on bail. During investigation, the GRP officials found that a racket of fake guarantors was flourishing in district courts with the backing of unscrupulous lawyers.

It was the existence of such a racket, which gave the criminals the confidence to carry about their business with impunity. Several of the offenders out on bail are not even appearing in courts. “We have prepared a list of fake bailers and would approach court to ascertain their records before granting bail,” said director general, Railways, Javeed Ahmed.

In its drive against criminals targeting trains, cops have arrested 79 persons involved in crime against women, busted 88 gangs involved in poisoning of passengers, nabbed 752 persons involved in theft and lifting of bags and arrested 83 persons on the charge of loot.

“GRP officers have been told to register cases in each crime case,” Ahmed said, adding, “Though the crime graph has increased with registration of FIR, we have been able to pursue the gangs involved in criminal activities.” The GRP has slapped Gangster Act on as many as 101 offenders.

To check crime in trains, GRP has prepared record of trains, which have been on the hit list of the criminals. Not only was the numbers of escorts increased in these trains, but surprise checks were also carried out to ensure they were on their toes. The entry of unauthorised vendors in trains was also curtailed.

The GRP has identified routes like Tundla-Kanpur, MoradabadShahjahanpur and AllahabadJhunsi where criminals were targeting trains at will and escaping with ease. GRP has not only increased security at these spots but also approached district administration for a coordinated drive against the criminals.

“The Railway staff has been told to register FIR of the victims in the running train as soon as they report about the incident. Around 300 FIRs have been registered in the trains. Along with launching 1512 help line for passengers, GRP has also launched Whats App and Citizen Eye facilities to provide assistance to the harassed passengers and to put a brake on crime,” he said. To check harassment of passengers travelling in trains passing through West UP, GRP has increased escorts in all trains plying through the area. A few months ago, clash between passengers had flared up communal tension there.

The officers also launched drive against ticketless travellers and as many as 500 offenders were nabbed last month.