Guwahati, July 5 (IANS) The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has intensified its crackdown on crime and unlawful activities, while stepping up efforts to prevent human trafficking across its jurisdiction, officials said on Sunday.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the RPF personnel during the period of June 25 to 30 conducted a series of successful operations at various railway stations and aboard trains, resulting in the recovery of narcotic substances, illicit liquor, stolen property, illegal railway tickets and cash, besides apprehending offenders, rescuing vulnerable passengers and protecting railway assets.

These sustained efforts reflect NFR’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and passenger-friendly railway network.

Sharma added that during the six-day period, RPF personnel carried out 36 successful operations, leading to the recovery of 83.984 kg of ganja (marijuana) valued at around Rs 41.99 lakh, 343 bottles and one can of illicit liquor/beer worth more than Rs 39,000, seven mobile phones valued at more than Rs 1.12 lakh, two illegally collected railway tickets worth more than Rs 7,000 and cash exceeding Rs 35,000.

The total value of the recoveries exceeded Rs 43.92 lakh.

The RPF personnel also apprehended 17 offenders, including persons involved in narcotics trafficking, ticket touting, theft, stone pelting and other offences under the Railway Act and other applicable laws.

The operations also underscored RPF’s humanitarian commitment.

According to the CPRO, during the reporting period, RPF rescued 17 persons, comprising 15 minors boys and girls and two vulnerable adults, who were safely handed over to the respective Child Welfare Committees, Childline, One Stop Centres, NGOs or guardians after following due procedures.

In addition, RPF personnel promptly rendered medical assistance to an injured passenger at Dalkhola Railway Station in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, ensuring timely treatment and safe transfer to a healthcare facility.

The NFR official said that as part of its efforts to safeguard railway property, RPF in close coordination with the civil administration, Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police, successfully carried out an anti-encroachment drive at Safrai Railway Station.

During the operation, 61 unauthorised structures were removed, resulting in the clearance of nearly 5,600 square metres of railway land.

The eviction drive was completed peacefully without any untoward incident.

Sharma said that the Railway Protection Force of NFR remains committed to strengthening passenger safety and security through intelligence-based operations, close coordination with law enforcement agencies and prompt assistance to passengers.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity through Rail Madad, the Railway Helpline ‘139’ or the nearest RPF personnel to help ensure a safe and secure railway environment for all,” he added.

The NFR, headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of Bihar.

–IANS

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