Railway parcel thefts: After new directive, probe process gets simpler

New Delhi: After getting the authority to investigate the offences of theft from the leased parcel, lug-gage and brake vans, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have heightened their security to stop such type of crime.

The security forces said that the investigations in theft cases will now be smoother after the implementation of the directive. Senior Divisional Security Commissioner (Coordination) Dr A N Jha said that they have not received any theft complaint after getting the directive.

According to another RPF official, "If theft case related to lease will be registered with RPF, we will be able to easily trace the train journey to know the place where the consignment seal was opened. We can also coordinate with RPF stations in different states without any jurisdiction issues. It will save time."

During the investigation, we can scan the registers of the stations from where the train has crossed to know the consignment condition, added RPF official.

Earlier, Government Railway Police (GRP) used to register the cases against such kind of thefts.

The directive was issued in April this year by DG (RPF) Arun Kumar. He stated that the consignment booked and loaded in leased SLRs/VPUs for the purpose of transportation shall be treated as "Railway Property" as per section 2(d) of the RP (UP) Act, 1966.

"All efforts for prevention, registration, and detection of these crimes are to be ensured by RPF," reads the directive.

It further mentions that the GRP, owing to its limitation of jurisdiction and heavy workload of prevention, detection, and investigation of the heinous crime, was not in a position to take effective action in matters of theft from leased SLRs/VPUs.

"The incidents of thefts/pilferages from leased Parcel/Luggage/Brake vans attached to Mail/Express/Passengers trains have been causing considerable anxiety. The lease holders are often raise the issue of non-registration of FIRs by GRP in case of criminal interference with leased consignments," added directive.

In view of the seriousness of the problem, the "Comprehensive Parcel Leasing Policy" needed to be revised besides reinforcing and strengthening the measures to prevent and detect thefts/pilferages from leased SLRs/VPUs.

The matter has been examined by Railway Board in consultation with the Commercial Directorate and it has been decided to consider the consignment booked and loaded in leased SLRs/VPUs for the purpose of transportation as under possession of the railway.