KOZHIKODE: Rail tracks in the state have been put under thorough watch following intelligence reports that there is a possibility of anti-national elements attempting to sabotage rail lines to instill fear in the minds of people.
According to senior police officers, the Union Government had issued an advisory on January 31 directing to beef up intelligence mechanism to augment security set up in railway installations. It was also directed to take all precautionary and preventive measures in coordination with Chief Security Commissioners and Senior Divisional Security Commissioners of the railway divisions to prevent sabotage to railway installations.
As per officers, a video conferencing was conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently with senior police officers regarding strengthening the safety and security of railway installations.
“Drives are being conducted to ensure safety precautions are followed. An integrated security system will be put in place to improve surveillance mechanism,” the officers said.
Railway Police Deputy Superintendent of Police Xavier Sebastin said security measures were being implemented to ensure fool-proof security to rail lines.
“Though the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the agency concerned with protection of railway assets, the government has specifically asked us to patrol rail tracks following inputs on possible Maoists sabotage of railway tracks in Kerala,” he said.
Intelligence officers confirmed railway tracks and other railway assets have been under close surveillance ever since the Nilambur encounter incident in which two suspected Maoists were shot dead by a police patrolling team.
Security beefed up
The Union Government had issued an advisory on January 31 directing to beef up intelligence mechanism to augment security set up in railway installations.
Intelligence officers confirmed railway tracks and other railway assets have been under close surveillance ever since the Nilambur incident.