Hyderabad: A central govt job may promise security and stability, but for railway officials on duty, it can also come with a very real risk of assault. Data obtained by TOI through RTI shows that at least 30 cases of assaults on officials were reported across the South Central Railway (SCR) zone over the past five years, with ticket-checking staff among the most frequently targeted.According to figures shared by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in SCR, the highest number of assaults — 16 — was recorded in the Nanded division, followed by 14 in the Secunderabad division and two in the Guntakal division during 2021-2025.The victims included ticket examiners, travelling ticket examiners, ticket inspectors (TTEs/TTIs), station masters and RPF personnel, among others.Speaking to TOI, officials said trouble often begins when TTEs or RPF personnel check reserved coaches and find passengers travelling without valid tickets or in unauthorised coaches. “Arguments generally start when passengers are asked why they boarded the train without a proper ticket and are told to pay the fine or get down at the station. Some passengers lose control and the argument turns into a scuffle,” said a senior railway police official.Officials suffer injuriesBut the assaults are not merely verbal altercations. RTI responses show that officials suffered both minor and grievous injuries, with two RPF personnel from the Nanded division forced to take medical leave in one case following injuries sustained in assaults.The incidents collectively resulted in criminal cases, with more than 30 FIRs registered during the period. The accused were booked either under Section 132 of the BNS, which deals with assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant while discharging official duties and is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both, or Section 146 of the Railways Act, which deals with obstructing a railway servant in the discharge of official duties.Nanded recorded the highest number of FIRs, with 16 cases registered. Twenty-one people were named as accused, of whom charge sheets were filed against 15. One case remains pending.Vulnerable stationsThe data also identified Nanded, Bhokar and Chikalthana/Purna-side station locations as vulnerable, with assaults reported on trains including the Balharshah-Mumbai Nandigram Express, Kacheguda-Nagarsol Express and Raichur-Jalna Express.Just a few months ago, an assistant loco pilot sustained serious injuries after the windshield of the GT Express locomotive broke when passengers allegedly threw leftover food packets and empty liquor bottles. The impact shattered the locomotive’s windshield, injuring the staff near Prakasam district.Railway authorities said they are conducting awareness campaigns and special drives to warn passengers about the legal consequences of attacking staff. “Regular patrolling is conducted on platforms and CCTV surveillance at major stations is being monitored to deter anti-social activities and facilitate Close response. Prompt coordination is being maintained with GRP and local police for immediate intervention whenever required,” said a senior official in the security wing, RPF, Secunderabad division.
