RPF recovers contraband worth Rs 43.9 lakh, arrests 17 in NFR crackdown

Maligaon, July 5 (MExN): The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) conducted 36 operations across its jurisdiction between June 25 and 30, recovering contraband, stolen property and illegal railway tickets worth over Rs 43.92 lakh, while arresting 17 people for various offences, officials said on Sunday. 

According to the NFR, the operations resulted in the seizure of 83.984 kg of ganja valued at about Rs 41.99 lakh, 343 bottles and one can of illicit liquor and beer worth over Rs 39,000, seven mobile phones valued at more than Rs 1.12 lakh, two illegal railway tickets worth over Rs 7,000 and cash exceeding Rs 35,000, they said.

The 17 people apprehended were allegedly involved in offences including narcotics trafficking, ticket touting, theft, stone-pelting and violations under the Railway Act and other applicable laws, the officials said.

The RPF also rescued 17 vulnerable persons during the six-day period, comprising 15 minors and two vulnerable adults, and handed them over to the respective Child Welfare Committees, Childline, One Stop Centres, NGOs or their guardians after completing due procedures.

In a separate incident, RPF personnel provided immediate medical assistance to an injured passenger at Dalkhola railway station and ensured the person's timely transfer to a healthcare facility.

As part of efforts to protect railway property, the RPF, in coordination with the civil administration, the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police, carried out an anti-encroachment drive at Safrai railway station.

During the operation, 61 unauthorised structures were removed, clearing around 5,600 square metres of railway land. The eviction drive was completed without any untoward incident, officials said. 

The RPF said it would continue intelligence-based operations, coordination with law enforcement agencies and passenger assistance initiatives to strengthen safety and security across the NFR network. It also appealed to the public to report suspicious activities through Rail Madad, Railway Helpline 139 or the nearest RPF personnel.