Crime against women on the rise in trains

New Delhi: Crime against women in trains has been on a rise despite deployment of security personnel by Railways, with more than 200 cases including rape, molestation and misbehaviour reported in 2012. There were total 210 cases of crime against women registered in 2012 as against 127 cases in 2011. The number of crimes committed against women in trains were 85 in 2010, according to Railway Ministry data.

While molestation cases in trains have gone up from 52 in 2010 to 72 in 2011, the number touched 119 in 2012. Rape cases have also increased from three in 2011 to seven in 2012. Cases of misbehaviour with women were also reported in trains. The number of misbehaviour cases increased from 33 in 2010 to 52 in 2011. 2012 witnessed 84 misbehaviour cases in trains. Maximum molestation cases (45) were reported in Southern Railway followed by 19 cases in Western Central Railway in 2012.

Southern Railway also leads in the number of misbehaviour cases in comparison to other zones. There were 33 misbehaviour cases reported in 2012 followed by 18 cases in South Central Railway. As per the data, while 120 people were arrested for crimes against women in 2010, the number went up to 146 in 2011 and 170 in 2012. Railways have taken several steps to ensure security of women passengers, a senior Railway Ministry official said.

Currently, 1,275 trains are being escorted by Railway Protection Force (RPF) daily on an average in addition to 2,220 trains escorted by Government Railway Police (GRP). Ladies special trains are being escorted by lady RPF staff, wherever available in suburban sections also. Security helpline numbers have been set up in the zonal control rooms over some zonal railways to facilitate the passengers to inform about any untoward incident, the official said. The numbers of such security helplines have been displayed at prominent places of stations and in the coaches. Regular drives are also conducted to prevent entry of male passengers in ladies compartments and if found, they are prosecuted under the provisions of the Railways Act, he said.