RPF Conducts Dual Operations at Chennai Egmore: Rescues Girls, Seizes Drugs
In a significant crackdown over the past two days, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at Chennai Egmore railway station have executed two critical operations, resulting in the rescue of three runaway girls and the seizure of 8 kilograms of ganja valued at approximately 4 lakh rupees. These actions come amid heightened surveillance measures implemented in anticipation of the upcoming state elections, aimed at curbing illicit activities and ensuring public safety.
Rescue of Runaway Girls Seeking Employment
On Tuesday, RPF officials, under the leadership of Inspector K P Sebastian, conducted routine checks at Chennai Egmore railway station. During their patrol, they observed three young girls wandering without any adult supervision, prompting immediate intervention. The girls were safely rescued and taken into protective custody.
Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the girls hailed from the districts of Namakkal and Tiruvannamalai. They had left their homes without informing their parents, driven by a desire to seek employment opportunities in urban areas. The RPF promptly handed them over to the railway child helpline operating at the station.
Subsequent measures included:
- Presentation before the Child Welfare Committee to assess their circumstances.
- Initiation of safety protocols and rehabilitation plans to ensure their well-being and reintegration.
Major Ganja Seizure in Separate Incidents
In a parallel development, RPF officers, in collaboration with the Narcotics Intelligence Unit (NIU), uncovered two separate cases of drug smuggling at the same station. The first incident occurred on Tuesday when officials discovered four abandoned packets of ganja, weighing a total of 4 kilograms, inside an unclaimed bag onboard the Howrah-Kanyakumari Express (train number 12665).
An investigation is currently underway to identify the individuals responsible for this contraband.
The second seizure took place on Wednesday morning during a joint operation on the station premises. Officers intercepted a 24-year-old man identified as Mohamed Sahib, a native of Malappuram in Kerala. Upon inspection, four packets of ganja weighing 4 kilograms, with an estimated value of 2 lakh rupees, were found concealed in his bag.
Legal actions followed:
- The arrested individual and the seized ganja were handed over to the NIU in Chennai for further legal proceedings.
- Mohamed Sahib has been remanded in judicial custody, pending trial.
Enhanced Surveillance Ahead of Elections
These operations are part of a broader initiative by RPF officials at Chennai Egmore to intensify surveillance and search activities in light of the impending state elections. The focus is on preventing the smuggling of contraband and other unlawful acts, thereby maintaining order and security within railway premises.
The successful outcomes highlight the effectiveness of proactive measures and inter-agency cooperation in addressing both social welfare issues, such as child safety, and criminal activities like drug trafficking. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure ongoing vigilance and prompt response to any emerging threats.
