All-women crew takes charge of Ranchi-Irgaon passenger train in Jharkhand
Ranchi (PTI): An all-women crew operated a passenger train on the Ranchi-Irgaon route on the occasion of International Women's Day on Sunday, an official said.
The crew comprised the loco-pilot, assistant loco-pilot, train manager, ticket checkers and personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), she said.
"Today is a very special day for women and the Ranchi railway division. Keeping International Women's Day in mind, we have taken a special initiative of operating a passenger train by an all-women squad. Right from the loco-pilot to train ticket examiners and RPF personnel, all were women, on the train," South Eastern Railway CPRO Suchi Singh said.
ALSO READ: PM Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 15,200 cr in New Delhi
She said the train travelled to Irgaon station, which was also completely managed by women.
With rising awareness and lots of changes in society, women are now entering into the fields dominated by men earlier, such as the railway, and achieving success, she said.
In about one and a half hours' journey, the train, carrying hundreds of passengers, left the Ranchi station at 9.13 am and reached Irgaon around 10.40 am. It travelled 58 km with nine stoppages.
Ranchi chief ticket inspector (CTI) Masira Surin said they feel proud to celebrate the occasion by managing a train.
"The government is now encouraging women to come forward in every field of society," she said.
RPF sub-inspector Rita Kumari said days have changed, and now women can travel alone on a train safely.
"For their safety, RPF has employed women personnel, and this is our duty to provide them safety," she added.
Loco pilot Dipali Amrit said the role and importance of women in railways have increased manifold.
"When I joined the railway in 2007, I was alone. Gradually, women's interest in railways increased. Now, there are three loco pilots and about 10 assistant loco pilots in the Hatia division," she added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Student attacks classmates at residential school in Karnataka, one dead
Ballari (Karnataka)(PTI): A class nine student allegedly went on a rampage at a private residential school here, killing one and injuring others with a sharp object and an iron rod, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place at the school hostel on Saturday night, they said.
The deceased boy was a native of Andhra Pradesh. The body was shifted to the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, for post-mortem.
According to officials, an investigation is underway to determine the motive and weapon used for the incident. A search is also on to nab the accused student, who apparently fled the scene immediately.
"Nine students were under the supervision of a social science teacher (also hostel warden) on Saturday night. The student (accused), in a fit of rage, attacked everyone randomly... unfortunately, one student died and seven others are undergoing treatment," Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari Range P S Harsha said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the teacher's statement has been recorded and a preliminary inquiry was conducted. Also, the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have visited the spot.
"This case will be considered under the law as one involving a juvenile, who is in conflict with law. So, the investigation should be done sensitively under the Juvenile Justice Act, keeping in mind the safeguards available for the accused. More information cannot be shared."
He further said, "The statements of the deceased boy's parents will also be recorded. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and a report will be submitted to the concerned courts."
According to sources, the warden is also said to have sustained injuries while attempting to intervene.
The students were reportedly asleep in the hostel after dinner, when the accused boy attacked his peers with an iron rod and a sharp object.
Sources suspect that some minor dispute might have triggered the incident.
The student, who was seriously injured in the attack, died on the way to the hospital.
Brucepet Police Station police have registered a case, and an investigation is on.
