1495 kids rescued from railway stations in TN

Speaking to media, Babu said that serious efforts have been taken to prevent trafficking of children through trains. He was in Coimbatore to preside over a one-day workshop on “Crime against Women and Children in Railways: Investigation Skill and Development for Men and Women in Railways.” 

The workshop was organised to hone the skills of cops in handling crimes against women and children and to teach on investigation techniques. “Last year, 1,960 children were rescued from railway stations and handed over to their parents. This year, so far 1,495 children were rescued from railway stations. Of them, seven children had faced sexual harassment and accused involved were all arrested,” he added.

Stating that 22 cases were registered regarding offences of sexual abuse against women in trains, the top cop said that two accused persons have been convicted for the offence. “Crimes in trains have come down due to the enhanced vigil by the railway police. Passengers were encouraged to give complaints at any stations when they alight from the train, even if the incident had happened anywhere else during the journey. The case after investigation will be transferred to relevant stations,” he said.

Further, the ADGP said that so far, this year, 1,600 persons have died either by jumping in front of the trains or while crossing the tracks.

“Identity of more than 500 persons who died in train hits was yet to be known. Efforts are on to know their identity by checking the state crime records bureau for missing complaints,” he added.

On the shortage of police personnel, Babu said that 200 cops including 90 women have been recruited in railways. He also said that four persons have been arrested so far for hurling stones on trains.

“Mostly children do it as a playful act not understanding its consequences,” he said. City commissioner of police Sumit Sharan was also present at the workshop.