Railways, passengers must be alert to prevent thefts: Krishna Prasad

Bengaluru: Railways and passengers need to be alert to prevent robberies on trains, like the one reported on the Bengaluru-Chennai Mail early on Saturday morning near Jolarpet Railway Junction, said Mr Krishna Prasad of the Karnataka Railway Vedike.

"Women should avoid wearing gold jewellery while travelling in trains. Passengers should close both the wooden and glass shutters to stop anyone from putting their hands through the windows," he said.

The Railways can take precautionary measures, but they are limited, he said. "The Bengaluru-Chennai Mail passes through important stations, like Bangarpet and Jolarpet, and these stations should have increased security. Also metal detectors at many stations, including in Bengaluru, do not work. These can detect knives and other lethal weapons being carried in bags," he said.

Railway Police constables man railway stations and also repeated announcements are made alerting passengers, but it is still difficult to monitor lakhs of people. Multiple entry points at railway stations, unlike in airports, make it easier for criminals to sneak in, he said.

SP, Railways, Chaitra, said that areas around Jolarpet are crime prone. Robbers hop on when trains slow down at turns. "These are professional gangs, who have robbed people many times. They hop on the trains, target their victims and get out fast after committing the crime," she said.

On the prevention, she said, "We put in 100% effort. Our constables, who patrol the platforms regularly, can identify previous offenders. They look out for any suspicious activity and alert their seniors. There is little else that we can do."