RPF Northeast crackdown recovers contraband worth Rs 1.93 crore, arrests 37 offenders, seizes drugs, arms, and illegal tickets across Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, and Bihar, ensuring stronger railway security and passenger safety.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) under the Northeast Frontier Railway has significantly stepped up its enforcement drive across the Northeast, recovering contraband and illegal goods valued at over Rs 1.93 crore. The large-scale operations, conducted across multiple states, underscore the force’s growing vigilance in safeguarding railway premises and ensuring passenger safety.
According to Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, coordinated operations carried out on March 24 covered key railway hubs including Guwahati, Kamakhya, Hojai, New Bongaigaon, Agartala, Aluabari, New Jalpaiguri, and Samsi. These targeted actions reflect a region-wide effort to curb criminal activities and strengthen surveillance.
In a notable humanitarian intervention, RPF personnel at Guwahati Railway Station rescued a minor boy found alone on a train. The child was safely handed over to the Child Welfare Committee through Railway Childline, ensuring his protection, care, and rehabilitation. Officials described the rescue as part of the RPF’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable passengers.
Meanwhile, in a major crackdown on illegal ticketing, the Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) of Katihar, led by the RPF, apprehended a tout at Samsi Railway Station. The accused was found carrying 14 unauthorized e-tickets worth over Rs 61,700, highlighting persistent efforts to dismantle fraudulent ticketing networks operating within railway systems.
The RPF also reported significant recoveries of contraband substances during its March operations. Up to March 26, personnel seized 268.82 kg of dry ganja, along with cigarettes, cough syrup, heroin, 1,200 kg of poppy seeds, and liquor. The combined value of these illegal substances exceeds Rs 1.91 crore, reflecting the scale of trafficking attempts through railway routes.
In total, 37 individuals were apprehended or arrested in connection with these cases. Additionally, authorities recovered Rs 7.60 lakh in cash in one instance, pointing to possible links with organized illegal activities.
Efforts to curb arms-related offenses also yielded results, with the seizure of one pistol, two magazines, and two live cartridges. Railway officials emphasized that such actions are crucial in preventing potential threats and maintaining law and order within railway premises.
The crackdown further extended to theft-related incidents, where eight offenders were apprehended. Authorities recovered seven mobile phones and a trolley bag collectively valued at Rs 86,000. In separate operations against ticketing fraud, two more touts were arrested with 16 illegal tickets worth Rs 63,668.
These cumulative actions have pushed the total value of recoveries and seizures beyond Rs 1.93 crore, marking a significant achievement for the RPF in the region.
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Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway stated that the sustained and coordinated operations reflect the RPF’s unwavering commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining a secure, passenger-friendly environment. With continuous vigilance and proactive enforcement measures, the force aims to further strengthen railway security across the Northeast.
