Patna: The Government Railway Police on Friday sent 16 teams to keep a close eye on drugging gangs operating on trains in the run-up to Holi.

Addressing the jawans at Patna Junction platform number one, Patna railway police superintendent Mohammad Faroguddindirected eight teams to go to Anand Vihar, four to Mughalsarai and two to Howrah. Additional superintendent of police A.S. Thakur asked the jawans to read the pamphlets, which are to be pasted and given to passengers, carefully before boarding the train. "Keep a close eye on anti-social elements, paste pamphlets at the station and also make announcements on the mega phone," Thakur said. "Tell people not to interact with strangers and to inform on-board GRP personnel immediately if any stranger occupies their seat."

The motive is to make journeys safe. These teams will camp over there and also escort them to Mughalsarai.

Each teams consists of six members including sub-inspector- and inspector-rank officers. These will camp there till Holi and return to Patna next day. Their duty is not limited to escort the trains, but also to make passengers aware about drugging incidents.

The team members have been provided a pamphlet which instructs passengers not to accept prasad on running trains among other things, besides giving the contact number of important GRP officials.

Teams have been given the task to do videography of trains that will depart from Anand Vihar, Mughalsarai and Howrah. These can be used later in case of any eventuality. The team leaders have been given an album containing photographs of notorious criminals.

While briefing the jawans, Faroguddin instructed them to ensure the state does not get a bad name. He categorically asked them to co-operate with the respective state's GRP. "People are coming here to celebrate Holi and it is your duty to ensure they do not land in trouble or get hospitalised because of a drugging incident," Faroguddin said.

"Strict action will be taken if anyone is found indulging in indiscipline. I will give a reward if you perform your duty honestly."