Mumbai train stabbing: CCTV aids arrest, but cameras alone can’t stop crime, says RPF chief

Inspector General cum Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Western Railway, Ajoy Sadany. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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The stabbing to death of a 22-year-old commuter aboard a train on Tuesday night has raised questions on safety on railway property. mid-day spoke to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) chief of Western Railway (WR) Inspector General cum Principal Chief Security Commissioner Ajoy Sadany on what could be done to ensure such gruesome incidents are not repeated.

Excerpts from the interview.

With 2235 CCTV cameras and 400 face-recognition cameras across WR's suburban network, how did a stabbing suspect still manage to flee?
The accused got down at Borivli before the train had even come to a complete halt and fled the station - a gap no camera network alone can close. CCTV footage was handed to the Government Railway Police (GRP) investigators. He was eventually arrested based on the CCTV footage itself. Cameras are a detection and evidence tool, not a physical barrier.

WR has nine "Meri Sakhi" WhatsApp groups for women passengers and a dedicated RPF helpline. Why is there no equivalent rapid-alert system for general coach violence?
There is - partly. The "MMCT Div. RPF Help group" handles complaints about unauthorised travel in coaches for the handicapped, and Helpline 139 covers all passengers. But Monday night's stabbing was reported only after the train reached Borivli station, not during the attack.

How did the RPF handle the stabbing? How do you assess the response?
RPF and GRP reached the wounded passenger in under three minutes, and he was in hospital within 48 minutes of the incident. RPF personnel coordinated the stretcher and evacuation to the station's Emergency Medical Room and accompanied him in the ambulance to Shatabdi Hospital. CCTV evidence was secured and handed to the investigators.