Mumbai Railway Police Crack Down on Corruption: 13 Officers Suspended

Mumbai, Sep 8 (PTI) — In a crackdown on corruption, the Government Railway Police (GRP) has suspended a total of 13 officers, including a senior inspector, in Mumbai and nearby Thane over the past five months for extorting money from passengers at railway stations, authorities confirmed on Monday. The scam, reportedly orchestrated by an organized ring, targeted long-distance travelers carrying valuables, with a preference for individuals disinclined to lodge complaints. This activity was concentrated in key locations like Mumbai Central, Dadar, Kurla, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel, according to a GRP representative. The fraudulent operation involved scoping out passengers with cash or valuables at luggage checkpoints. The victims, under the guise of needing to see a senior officer, were led to parts of the GRP premises without CCTV cameras. They were then coerced into proving ownership of their belongings. With threats of asset confiscation and potential legal trouble, or even physical harm in some instances, victims were forced to comply by paying the corrupt officials. A recent case involved a man from Rajasthan traveling with his daughter, who was allegedly compelled to hand over Rs 30,000 of the Rs 31,000 he carried at Mumbai Central station. Upon returning to Rajasthan, the man lodged a complaint, prompting a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed and subsequently transferred to Mumbai, which led to the suspension of three constables now in hiding. GRP Commissioner Rakesh Kalasagar, who took office in May, reported that seven officials, including the senior inspector, have faced disciplinary action since he assumed his position. He issued a strong warning about the severe consequences for any officers engaging in such corrupt behaviors. He urged the public to ensure that bag checks are conducted only by uniformed senior officers and within areas monitored by CCTV cameras.

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