Railway police are keeping an eye on criminals in and around Dhanbad station as part of a drive that will continue round the clock for 90 days to ensure greater safety for passengers in transit.

All trains passing through Dhanbad railway station are being searched since the crackdown began on June 8.

Over 50 personnel and officers of Railway Protection Force (RPF) have also been deputed at adjacent places like Chaigadda and Purana Bazaar to keep tabs on criminals.

The RPF launched the drive at the instruction of the railway board in response to regular complaints by passengers who were victims of theft.

Chief security officer and senior commandant of RPF Sashi Kumar has been asked to submit a detailed daily report to the railway board on the names of trains that are scanned, officers involved in the searches, articles seized and criminals arrested, if any.

Kumar said, “While the personnel deputed at the station will search various trains that halt for a relatively long duration at Dhanbad, escort teams will scan long-distance trains. As the long-distance trains have brief stoppages in Dhanbad, the RPF teams have been told to be vigilant on-board.”

The security officer pointed out that RPF personnel led by inspectors would keep watch on suspects during peak hours between 8pm and 12pm and from 5 to 9 in the morning.

Kumar added the drive was also intended to “prevent theft of passengers’ belongings, crimes against women and drugging of travellers by organised gangs called Nasakhurani”.