Dimapur-Furkating section sees increase in stone-pelting cases, say Railway police

DIMAPUR — Incidents of crime at Dimapur Railway Station are relatively low compared to other locations, but there has been a notable increase in stone-pelting cases along the Dimapur-Furkating section in 2024, according to railway officials.

In January and February alone, seven persons were arrested for stone-pelting, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner (SDSC) of the Lumding Railway Police Force (RPF), Uday Singh Pawar, told reporters in Dimapur on Wednesday.

Stone-pelting incidents may seem trivial but its implications are serious, he said, adding that the RPF is working to curb passenger crimes including stone-pelting, theft onboard trains and drug-related offences.

The railway facilities should not be exploited for drug trafficking and other criminal activities, he asserted.

He acknowledged that the RPF does not have sufficient personnel to conduct checks in all the coaches but it has launched several initiatives to combat crimes. Among the initiatives are the ‘Meri Saheli’ programme aimed at assisting solo female travelers, toll-free helpline number 139, as well as display of awareness videos on LCD TVs on the platforms.

Rescue of children and women

The RPF also provided statistics on their performance in rescuing minors and seizing contraband from 2021 to February 2024.

In 2021, two boys were rescued and in 2022, 30 minor boys and 17 minor girls were rescued, along with three adult women and one male. In 2023, a total of 25 minor boys and 13 minor girls were rescued.

As of February 2024, two minor boys and two minor girls were rescued. All rescued minors were handed over to Childline Dimapur.

Recovery of contraband goods

The RPF informed that in 2021, a total of 15 cases involving goods worth INR 16,02,500 were reported, leading to the arrest of three persons.

In 2022, five persons were arrested and a total of 33 cases amounting to INR 7.68 crore were reported. In the following year, the RPF recorded a total of 18 cases involving INR 2.52 crore and arrested three persons.

As of February 2024, two cases involving a total of INR 26.40 lakh were detected.

Repeat offender arrested with sedatives

The RPF revealed that it arrested one Ajul Hoque alias Babul Ali, a resident of Mairabari in Assam’s Morigaon district, on March 26 with 20 suspected sedative drugs.

A press statement from the RPF stated that a surveillance team spotted him with a passenger at Dimapur Railway Station and upon interrogation, admitted that he had befriended the passenger and offered him tea laced with the sedative drug.

The RPF revealed that Hoque was arrested in 2016 in Dimapur and again in 2023 at Lumding for the same offence.

The apprehended person was handed over to GRPS Dimapur on Wednesday for further action, it said.