Southern Railway warns that stone-pelting at trains can lead to 10 years of imprisonment
The Chennai Division of Southern Railway has issued a grave warning to the public following a surge in stone-pelting incidents targeting moving trains.
Authorities cautioned on Sunday that these “unlawful acts” not only cause extensive damage to railway property but, more critically, pose a life-threatening hazard to passengers and railway staff.
The railway administration highlighted that stones pelted at high-speed trains can easily shatter window panes, resulting in serious injuries or potential permanent harm to commuters, including children and senior citizens.
Beyond the physical danger, these incidents create an environment of fear and distress among regular travelers and disrupt essential train services.
In a strong legal reminder, officials stated that stone pelting is a major criminal offense under the Railways Act of 1989.
Under Section 152, any individual found throwing stones or objects at a train with the intent to cause harm can face imprisonment for ten years or even life imprisonment.
Furthermore, Section 154 stipulates that any act endangering the safety of passengers is punishable by imprisonment, heavy fines, or both.
The Southern Railway emphasized that the legal ramifications are severe and intended to act as a deterrent against such reckless behavior.
To combat this menace, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have intensified patrolling in identified “vulnerable locations” across the Chennai Division.
Surveillance has been significantly bolstered through increased CCTV monitoring and other high-tech mechanisms to identify and apprehend offenders.
The railway authorities have also reached out to the community, urging parents, teachers, and social activists living near railway tracks to counsel and sensitize youth about the devastating consequences of these actions.