13 February,2011 08:33 AM IST | | Arvind Walmiki
Rattled by increasing violence, GRP introduces a new helpline number and increases security on platforms
In A bid to tackle railway crime, the Government Railway Police (GRP) has launched a new helpline for commuters across Maharashtra. This is in addition to increasing the number of police officials stationed at railway platforms in an attempt to address accidents, eve teasing, assault and other complaints by commuters.
Raj Khilnani, Director General of Police (GRP), says, "We cannot control lakhs of passengers every day. We will be increasing the number of policemen present at railway platforms and post plainclothesmen. Passengers too should be alert. If they witness an incident, they should inform the police present at the station or call the helpline on 9833331111."
A rise in accidents like the recent death of 17 year-old Kurla resident Salman Khan after he was kicked out of the train, and taken to Bhabha Hospital in Kurla by his friends Wasim Shaikh and Farhan Ansari, have provoked these measures. Khan suffered liver and rib damage while Farukh Shah, who kicked him, also fell off the train and succumbed to head injury.
When Sunday MiD DAY called the helpline, an officer answered the phone and informed this reporter that they would send security personnel to the accident spot as soon as possible. When the reporter revealed his identity, the officer said, "All complaints are forwarded to the local railway station, where security personnel are put in action."
