GUWAHATI: The Special Magistrate Court of Bongaigaon imposed a penalty of ₹8,000 on an offender on Thursday, November 28, for the misuse of the alarm chain in a passenger train. This is the first such penalty in the region.
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The incident occurred on November 15, 2024, when the offender pulled the alarm chain of train no. 12520 DN Agartala–Lokmanya Tilak Express near Barpeta Road station, causing the train to stop at Km 296/1.
Prompt action by the on-duty Railway Protection Force (RPF) team led to the immediate apprehension of the offender. The individual was prosecuted under Section 141 of the Railways Act, which penalizes improper use of alarm chains.
The N.F. Railway’s RPF teams have previously tracked five similar cases in the Alipurduar Division and eight cases in the Katihar Division. These cases are currently under trial in respective courts.
Misuse of alarm chains disrupts train punctuality and causes operational losses to the Railways. Alarm chains, installed in every coach, are intended for emergencies involving passenger safety or security. Unwarranted use is a punishable offense under the Railways Act, carrying penalties, arrest, or both.