Jamshedpur, Jan 22: Two persons were arrested late Tuesday (January 21) for pelting stones on the Howrah-Tatanagar Steel Express between Galudih and Rakhamines stations.
According to a press release issued by Kharagpur division of South Eastern Railway on Wednesday, the accused, identified as Rahul Bhakat (24), a resident of Durku under Jadugora police station, and Sajal Nath (19), a resident of Kuldiha under Jadugora police station, were apprehended under Section 179(2) for offenses under Section 153 of the Railways Act. They are being prosecuted in the Chaibasa court, with all legal procedures being observed.
An incident of stone pelting on train number 12813 UP (Howrah-Tatanagar Steel Express) was reported on January 20, 2025, at around 9:22 PM, between Galudih and Rakhamines stations. Following the incident, a case (No. 15/2025) was registered under Section 153 of the Railways Act at the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Post, Ghatsila, said a press communiqué.
It further stated, “Taking swift action, a team comprising officers and staff from the RPF Ghatsila Post, IPF/CIB Kharagpur, and other officials conducted intensive drives, ambushes, and raids in the Galudih-Rakhamines section. The operations were carried out under the direct supervision of ASC/WS/KGP, who camped at the site to oversee the efforts.”
Additionally, during the raids, two more individuals were arrested for separate offenses under Sections 147 and 145(b) of the Railways Act. The accused, Rohit Singh (24) and Akash Kutty (24), both residents of Navrang Market under Jadugora police station, are being prosecuted in cases No. 21/2025 and 22/2025.
The RPF emphasized the dangers posed by stone pelting and similar acts, which endanger passenger safety. Under Section 153 of the Railways Act, such offenses are punishable with imprisonment for up to five years.
Investigations are ongoing to ensure accountability and deter such incidents in the future.
