India News : The Ministry of Railways has taken a tough stand after repeated complaints of extortion by Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel in Mumbai. Over the past five months, 13 policemen have been suspended for allegedly forcing money from passengers.
The latest case involved a jeweler from Rajasthan and his minor daughter at Bombay Central station on August 10. GRP officers allegedly extorted nearly ₹30,000 under the pretext of baggage checking, returning only ₹1,900. Assistant Sub-Inspector Anil Rathod and Head Constables Lalit Jagtap and Rahul Bhosale have been booked, suspended, and are currently absconding.
Earlier, on June 13, a couple was forced to pay ₹15,000 at Vasai Road station. Following an inquiry, three policemen were suspended on August 1. Courts have since rejected anticipatory bail pleas of the accused, observing that the act took place in a CCTV-free room, violating standard operating procedures.
In response, the Railway Board has initiated new SOPs including mandatory video recording of baggage checks, regular team rotation, and greater involvement of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Officials said the measures aim to restore public trust in railway policing.
With millions traveling daily through Mumbai’s suburban and long-distance trains, the incidents have raised serious concerns about passenger safety and accountability of security forces.
