'Op Thirst': Over 1,000 held for selling unauthorised drinking water in trains

New Delhi: After a video on social media, showing a boy filling bottles from a tap at a platform and sealing them to supply to passengers went viral, the rail ministry clarified that 1,371 people were arrested under its 'Operation Thirst' by the Railways Protection Force.

With the drive launched on July, 8 and 9, reportedly over 69, 294 bottles were seized by the Railways Protection Force (RPF). It is a pan-India crackdown on the unauthorised selling of Packaged Drinking Water (PDW).

"The Zonal Principal Chief Security Commissioners (PCSC) were asked to check these unauthorised activities. Almost all major stations were covered during this operation," the government release mentioned.

Adding further, "During the drive, 1371 persons were arrested for selling of packaged drinking water of unauthorised brands under different sections i.e. 144 and 153 of Rly. Act. Total 69294 bottles of PDW have been seized. The total fine amount of Rs. 6,80,855/- have been realized from these offenders. 4 Pantry car managers involved in the selling of the same were also arrested. Stalls on platforms were also found selling packaged drinking water bottle of brands which are not authorised by Railways," the ministry stated.

Further enquiry into these cases are being made to reach the origin of this activity and those found involved will be taken up accordingly. The special drive will be followed by continuous action by concerned PCSCs on this issue.