Bhubaneswar: The recent attacks by self-styled ‘‘gau rakshaks’’ on railway staff and persons transporting cattle at Bhubaneswar railway station has created a hue and cry over slack security mechanism by the authorities.
The city station, known for incidents of mob justice and lax security, was in news (Orissa POST, April 5 edition) for all wrong reasons. Instances of hooligans assaulting TTIs, GRP and RPF personnel for demanding valid tickets were highlighted in the media.
A ticket inspector was forced to succumb to pressure by a ticketless traveller of Shalimar Express when he brought a mob to confront the officer. (OP has the video recording of the incident). Although 24X7 CCTV surveillance cameras are installed at the platforms, no security official is available to rescue an officer in distress.
“Although it is impossible to put too many restrictions at a public place like railway station, there is need for constant vigil. We cannot always prevent incidents of assault or indiscipline. But, we need to intensify the security and stay alert to prevent entry of hooligans into the station,” said SK Dash, a retired Naval officer, travelling to Kolkata.
In the absence of proper security, journey by women passengers becomes difficult and often risky.
“I believe that railway stations are comparatively safer than the bus stands. The presence of RPF and GRP at rail stations is a relief for passengers. But, in my opinion the security officers need to be more vigilant and the passengers have to alert the forces if they find anything suspicious,” said Sumita Das, a rail passenger.
Similarly, the entry and exit points at the station are cause for concern. There is absolutely no checking at entry point through platform No.6 from Cuttack roadside. Many enter the station through this side as it is an unmanned. Neither security personnel nor ticket examiners keep watch at the entry point of platform No.6.
“If you enter station through Master Canteen side you have baggage scanners. But if you are coming from Cuttack side you are free from security check. The railways must provide a police outpost at Cuttack side entrance to ensure discipline at platform No.6,” said Kishore Kumar Mohanty, another railway passenger.
Interestingly, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BJP’s national executive meet, the security personnel maintained a high alert at both the sides. They even installed metal detectors at Master Canteen side entry.
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