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Sabari fest: High security at 9 stations

Additional personnel have been sourced from units in other divisions that include a company from Thiruchirappally.

Kochi: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has deployed Quick Reaction Teams at major stations like Chengannur and Ernakulam South stations to provide emergency facilities to thousands of Ayyappa devotees arriving by train from neighbouring states and deal with untoward incidents during the pilgrimage season. “The six-member squad will be mainly tasked with preventing vendors from fleecing pilgrims and hiring vehicles among others. They will also help in crowd management during rush hours, especially when trains have a two-minute halt at stations like Chengannur,” a senior RFP officer said.

Additional personnel have been sourced from units in other divisions that include a company from Thiruchirappally. Special awareness drive will be conducted against usage of stove, gas cylinders and other inflammable articles in trains and station areas. Suspects and known criminals will be under surveillance. Senior officers will camp at Kottayam and Chengannur stations to coordinate arrangements during the season.

The security at nine stations — Chengannur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam North, Trichur, Guruvayur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kayamkulam and Kanyakumari — have been enhanced. Separate crime prevention and detection squad, both in uniform and plain clothes, are being posted. Meanwhile, additional booking and reservation counters were opened at Chengannur and Kottayam stations.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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