lakhs of pilgrims swarm the holy city of Haridwar by train to take a dip in the holy Ganga round the year. But spiraling cases of theft, pick-pocketing and other crimes on moving trains and on those stranded on the platforms seem to be dampening their religious enthusiasm.The administration is worried.
The police officers are doubly worried with Ardh Kumbh slated in January next year approaching near. Millions of pilgrims from across the country and abroad are expected to throng Haridwar during the momentous religious congregation.
They are worried, wondering whether such crimes continuing unabated would adversely impact the expected turnout of pilgrims. If that happens it would be a blemish on all in the administration and police of the State, said a senior police official.
Dilip Sharma, native of Mumbai (Maharashtra) who was on Haridwar-bound train on pilgrimage was hacked by thieves on March 19 at laksar when he challenged them while they were trying to snatch gold ornaments from his wife.
Taking advantage of the train moving slow, the thieves fled after injuring Sharma. GRP station laksar in-charge Dinesh Kumar said that a case under section 324 of IPC was registered against unidentified persons in the police station and teams have been formed to nail the accused.
As per the report received from the Haridwar GRP, a total of 57 cases of theft, pick- pocketing and other crimes under several sections of IPC have been registered over the past one year.
As many as 23 cases of theft and pick-picketing were reported in the police station while trains remained stranded at the platforms. 16 such crimes were reported while trains were running in the Haridwar region. Three such crimes were reported from Haridwar station platforms. In five of such cases, thieves beguiled the passengers into consuming poison and escaped after looting them.
Considering the fact that such cases are on the spiral, Haridwar GRP headquarters is going to release a toll-free number for the passengers soon. The passengers travelling on trains would be able to inform GRP immediately after such crimes are committed in Haridwar GRP region. The GRP will act swiftly on received calls, assured GRP headquarters in-charge SSP Anant Shankar Takwale on Monday.