Pune, November 17: The Central Railways has found illegal hutments and encroachments near tracks responsible for stone-pelting on trains in Pune stretch. The incidents have escalated in the past few days, the officials said, adding that the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will take additional measures to mitigate the menace.

The statements were issued by the Central Railway authorities in wake of the stone-pelting being reported on near-daily basis in Chinchwad-Akurdi and Ghorpadi Saswad stretches. The incidents are reported during night hours, the officials added. After Amritsar Train Accident, Pune Railway Authorities Launch Drive To Evict Encroachment Near Tracks.

Recently, passengers of Thirunvelli-Dadar Express had a narrow escape as stones were thrown on engines as well as coaches of the train. The driver survived being hit by a stone by inches, said a senior officer from the Pune Division.

Some of the passengers have also lodged official complaint into the stone pelting incidents. An inquiry conducted by the RPF has found Dapodi, Akurdi, Chinchwad and Ghorpadi as the major spots of stone-pelting during the night.

Manoj Jhawar, PRO, Pune Division, said the RPF is mandated to take stringent action as the miscreants are not only damaging Railway property, but also putting the life and life and safety of passengers in danger. An an immediate measure, posters have been put up in identified areas to spread awareness among the residents, he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2018 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).