Online FIRs on the cards for crimes in trains

In an effort to arrest the spiralling crime rate in trains across states, the union home ministry and ministry of railways are actively considering the proposals of installing CCTV cameras in each compartment, using the services of ex-servicemen, creating railways policewomen force and allowing passengers to file on-line first information reports (FIRs) of a crime taken place in any train.

Besides, the Centre is also considering to come up with a blueprint of national transport security strategy (NTSS) that would take into account all kind of treats to the various transport systems, including railways and suggest measures to make them secure.

In a conference of DGPs of state police, organised of by the security directorate of ministry of railways as a part of a concerted drive to prevent crime on railways and improve the safety and security of passengers and property, railways minister Suresh Prabhu emphasised the need to have seamless policing system to check growing crimes and increasing subversive activities as Railway system being the life line of the nation cannot afford to compromise on security issues.

Addressing top police officials from 25 states, Prabhu sought support of all chief ministers in providing a foolproof and seamless security system for railways that binds them with each other and adds to their growth.

Pointing out that a common man does not know distinction between state police and railway police and only needs relief from crimes, Prabhu called for creating a data bank of criminals for which he sought help of forensic departments of different state governments.

"This will help in tracking criminals expeditiously and arrest them for trial," he said referring to security of women and added that there have been several instances of attacks on the modestly of women during travel and it needs special attention of all the concerned agencies.

"The ministry of railways is contemplating to have a 'Mahila Vahini' and proposal for it has already been sent to finance ministry and he sought help of Home Ministry for this proposal," said Prabhu.

Seconding Prabhu, union home minister Rajnath Singh promised to explore the system of online FIR to expedite investigation and help in controlling crimes.

Admitting that Indian railways is a soft target for terrorists and subversive elements, Rajnath Singh said the ministry is planning to utilise ex-army personnel in various security related mechanisms, including railway security.
He also indicated using women security mobile application launched by Indian Railways in Mumbai trains throughout the country.