RPF security on fast track after FBI alert

Increase security at suburban stations following terror attack alert that followed interrogation of LeT operative David Coleman Headley

Increase security at suburban stations following terror attack alert that followed interrogation of LeT operative David Coleman Headley

Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials have been going through sleepless nights since the US Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) revealed that five Indian cities, including Mumbai and its rail network, are on the hit list of Islamic terrorists.

The inputs from FBI followed the arrest and subsequent interrogation of LeT operative Richard Headley in the United States.

Such has been the panic in the RPF ranks that officers at the rank of inspector have been deployed on night duty across suburban railway stations something that does not happen routinely.

A roving team of around 20 armed personnel, including an inspector and two sub-inspectors move from one suburban station to another to keep a watch on suspicious movement and keep on-duty personnel on their toes.

On Guard: RPF personnel at CST

"We will have a tough time till Christmas and New Year do not pass peacefully. We have also been ordered to be ready to provide any assistance, in case of a terror attack.

Our personnel are armed with sophisticated Insas assault rifles, and high quality bulletproof jackets," said an RPF inspector.

Another RPF official added, "Our personnel have been told to shoot down terrorists inside station premises and not let them escape, while ensuring there are no civilian casualties."

Mumbai Division Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Devendra Kasar refused to comment on the alert, saying, "There is nothing unusual."