NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, FEB 21
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has nabbed a juvenile and initiated criminal proceedings against unnamed accused for allegedly damaging window panes of AC oaches of the Swatantrata Senani Express in Madhubani on February 10.
- Under the Railways Act, anyone who endangers the safety of a person travelling on a train can be punished with up to five years in prison: Railway Ministry
- Railway appeals all passengers and public to refrain from acts of vandalism against railway property
The Railway Ministry, in a press statement, said the violent act of damaging windows had caused panic and led to chaos among the passengers.
“Miscreants took advantage of the fact that there was no RPF (Railway Protection Force) or GRP (Government Railway Police) post in Madhubani. After damaging railway property, the miscreants fled,” it said.
The RPF and East Central Railway registered a case under the Railways Act and a special team was constituted to identify the culprits, the ministry said.
In response to this act of vandalism, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), East Central Railway took swift action by registering a case under Sections 145(b), 146, 153 & 174(a) of the Railways Act vide Crime No. 168/2025 at RPF Post/Darbhanga.
During the enquiry, a juvenile was identified and nabbed, the ministry said, adding the boy has confessed his involvement in the incident and expressed remorse.
The enquiry into the case is under progress, it said, adding that the RPF is committed to taking strict action against miscreants involved in destroying or damaging railway property.
Under the Railways Act, anyone who endangers the safety of a person travelling on a train can be punished with up to five years in prison, the ministry said.
“Railway property is a national asset, and any act of damaging railway property is illegal. RPF has made necessary security in coordination with the State Government and GRP authorities to ensure the safety and security of passengers and protect railway infrastructure.
While ensuring security to the passengers with utmost commitment, the RPF is also committed to taking strict action against those involved in such unlawful activities. We urge the public to refrain from engaging in unlawful activities and acts which jeopardize public safety,” the statement added.
Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 states that anyone who endangers the safety of a person traveling on a railway can be punished with up to five years in prison. This includes obstructing or attempting to obstruct railway rolling stock. Section 174(a) of the Railways Act, 1989 covers the offense of obstructing a train or other rolling stock. The penalty for an offense under Section 174(a) is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to two thousand rupees, or both.
