Railways steps up security in division

NASHIK: The Bhusawal division of Central Railway has beefed up security across stations, especially Manmad, Nashik Road and Bhusawal, after some protestors tried to set the last bogey of Maharashtra Express on fire at Kolhapur station on Wednesday.
“The security personnel, who were deployed for traffic movement on Mahaparinirvan Din of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, have asked to continue at their posts after the Kolhapur incident.We have asked them to stay back for now,” a senior official from the division security, Bhusawal, said.
On Wednesday evening, a group of 15 persons stormed the Kolhapur railway station raising slogans for reservation for the Maratha community. They set several handbills on fire near the Maharashtra Express, which was standing at pit line near platform number 3. A case of attempt to damage government property, tresspassing and halting train has been registered against unidentified persons.
The officials said the Railway Protection Special Forces (RPSF) from Manmad were already deployed in the division to maintain security on December 6. Now, more duties have been assigned to them considering the Kolhapur incident.
“Patrolling on the platform and in the yards has been intensified. The movement of people in the yards is being specially checked and specific orders have been given to ensure that no one, either individual or group, is allowed to go near the rakes,” the official said. Officials said that though protection is primarily the duty of the RPF, they were also taking the help of Government Railway Police (GRP) for better monitoring of premises.
“We don’t want to take any chances. Special vigil will also be maintained against any group coming near a train. The incident in Kolhapur was least expected and we will not allow them to create a situation again,” the official said.