Alert loco pilots save eight lions from getting hit by trains in Gujarat
Bhavnagar, Dec 15: Alert loco pilots of a goods train and a passenger train applied brakes in time to save the lives of eight lions that had wandered onto railway tracks in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district in the last two days, an official said Sunday.
With the vigilance of the loco pilots of the Western Railway's Bhavnagar division and the help of trackers of the forest department, 104 lions have been saved so far in this financial year, said Mashooque Ahmad, senior divisional commercial manager, Bhavnagar.
As per a release, loco pilot Dhavalbhai P, driving a goods train heading to Pipavav port from Hapa on Thursday, noticed five lions crossing the track near Rajula city.
The alert loco pilot applied emergency brakes to stop the train and provide safe passage to the big cats, it said.
The release said the train was allowed to move after the forest guard reached the spot and found all the conditions normal.
Similarly, on Friday, loco pilot Sunil Pandit, driving a passenger train, noticed a lioness with two cubs crossing the track in the Chalala-Dhari section and stopped the train by applying emergency brakes.
"On receiving the information, a forest guard reached the spot. He saw that the lions had moved away from the railway track. When all conditions were found normal, the forest guard asked the loco pilot to depart," the release said.
Asiatic lions have either died or been seriously hurt on the railway line connecting Pipavav Port with north Gujarat, with the Gujarat High Court raising concern and directing authorities to come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP) to avoid such incidents.
The Bhavnagar Division has instructed loco pilots operating the trains to work with special vigilance while following the prescribed speed, the release said.
The state forest department has also erected fences along the track at regular intervals to save lions from getting hit by trains.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
