MALIGAON, Jul 5: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) recovered contraband and valuables worth over Rs 43.92 lakh and rescued 17 vulnerable persons during a six-day security drive conducted between June 25 and 30.
According to NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, the RPF carried out 36 successful operations across railway stations and trains within its jurisdiction.
During the operations, RPF personnel seized 83.984 kg of ganja valued at about Rs 41.99 lakh, 343 bottles and one can of illicit liquor and beer worth over Rs 39,000, seven mobile phones valued at over Rs 1.12 lakh, two illegal railway tickets worth more than Rs 7,000, and cash exceeding Rs 35,000.
The RPF also apprehended 17 offenders for offences including narcotics trafficking, ticket touting, theft, stone pelting and violations under the Railway Act and other applicable laws.
In addition to enforcement activities, the force rescued 17 vulnerable persons, including 15 minors and two adults, who were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Childline, One Stop Centres, NGOs or their guardians after completing the necessary formalities.
RPF personnel also provided timely medical assistance to an injured passenger at Dalkhola Railway Station before shifting the individual to a healthcare facility.
As part of efforts to protect railway property, the RPF, in coordination with the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Government Railway Police (GRP), local police and civil administration, conducted an anti-encroachment drive at Safrai Railway Station. The operation resulted in the removal of 61 unauthorised structures, clearing around 5,600 square metres of railway land without any untoward incident.
The NFR said RPF will continue intelligence-based operations and urged passengers to report suspicious activities through Rail Madad, Railway Helpline 139 or the nearest RPF personnel to help maintain a safe and secure railway environment.