Ottapalam: This Vishu, the RPF Crime Prevention And Detection Squad is ensuring the safety of railway passengers by conducting thorough searches inside trains arriving in Kerala. Their aim is to intercept those attempting to transport crackers into the state via rail, having purchased them at cheaper prices from Tamil Nadu.

Those found guilty will be imprisoned, heavy penalties will be levied as well. 

The inspections are mainly centred around Palakkad, Mangalore, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram railway stations. Each such squad comprises four members and the team is led by SIO and ASIO. 

The cops will be in mufti during the raids. Cases will be charged as per sections 164, 165 of the Railway Act. This may amount to either three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 1000, or both.