Prayagraj, Sep 3 (PTI) In response to complaints of extortion from railway passengers, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested 59 transgender individuals over the past fortnight, officials said on Tuesday.

Amit Malviya, Public Relations Officer of North Central Railway, said, "Under the direction of Principal Chief Security Commissioner (RPF) Amiy Nandan Sinha, an intensive crackdown was conducted from August 19 to September 2 across the three divisions of North Central Railway -- ?Prayagraj, Agra, and Jhansi.

Also Read | Bibhav Kumar, Accused in AAP Leader Swati Maliwal Assault Case, Walks Out of Tihar Jail After Supreme Court Grants Bail.

"During this operation, 59 transgender individuals were arrested under various relevant sections of the Railways Act 1989. The court has imposed fines totalling Rs 6,900 and 20 individuals have been sent to jail," Malviya said.

Such campaigns will continue in future to ensure safe and smooth travel for the railway passengers, Malviya added.

Also Read | PM Modi in Brunei: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan (See Pics).

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)