Anantapur: Dacoits are increasingly using technology to loot passengers of express trains, posing a challenge for security forces in Rayalaseema region.
The gangs target small railway stations and nearby deserted areas to loot passengers by cutting the signal wires to stop express trains. Three such instances have occurred in Guntakal railway division in as many weeks.
Gangs were using three different ways to stop trains — pulling the chain, dumping stones on the track and cutting of signal wires. A senior police official recalled there were instances of robbers dumping stones on the tracks to loot the Venkatadri Express. But now these gangs are cutting signals Normally, a red signal is switched on during contact of two tracks or cutting of signal wire.
That reaches Data Logger system and alerts the controlling office. The train stops after noticing the red signal. Dacoits were targeting the express trains with poor security and not long distance express trains.
Official sources say there were 80-150 trains including passengers of all categories including weekly trains being operated via Guntakal Railway division. About 70 Express trains had security and rest of them had no proper bandobust.
Seelavathi of Madakasira had a horrifying experience of having her necklace pulled from her person, while returning home by the Kacheguda Express a couple of days ago.
The train was stopped in between PrakasamKurnool borders. But the same train again was attacked in the wee hours on Thursday near Obulavaripalle railway station closer to Seshachalam forest in Kadapa district. Hampi Express also witnessed a third attempt of robbery in the past three months.
Railway authorities noticed the robber gangs were changing their spots one after the other and causing difficulty to nab them. The gang had robbed passengers at Gooty outer station two months ago while they attacked at Thaticherla railway station on Thursday. The local police of surrounding police stations have to coordinate with GRP and RPF to keep a watch on local gangs, but in vain.
