“We had deployed over 2,018 GRP personnel in two shifts on the platforms at all stations on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Din to ensure smooth travel for devotees. Manning long distance trains comes under the purview of the RPF. Even if we deploy our personnel in passenger trains, it is difficult to prevent a mishap if it happens at one end of the train. It is not possible to deploy GRP personnel in every train compartment (considering the strength of the force),” said GRP Commissioner Tukaram Chavan, when asked about the likelihood of increased security in passenger trains on special occasions, following the incident.
According to Chavan, the girl was picked up by the 19-year-old when she was sitting on her uncle’s lap. “It was either some nuisance due to the crowd or perhaps that he (Chotu) was delinquent enough to have taken such a step,” he added.
Chief Public Relation officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, Vidhyadhar Malegaonkar said, “We were informed that the girl had slipped from the train. Her family rushed her to Ghatkopar Station where she was given first aid before being sent to Rajawadi Hospital. It was learnt that the victim’s father filed a complaint with the police later.”
RPF might review its current policy of manning night trains
Following the incident, the RPF at Mumbai division of Central Railway might consider reviewing its current policy of providing security in passenger trains. Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, RPF, Mumbai Division P.C. Sinha said, “At present there are about 130 RPF personnel that provide security in about 30 passenger trains but these are night trains. Depending on incidents of thefts or other crimes reported to us, we decide which trains need to be escorted by RPF personnel. We will review the situation after this incident and see how we can provide RPF personnel in morning trains too.”