Kerala - Pathanamthitta   

Spate of vehicle thefts at railway stations

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA, FEB 10. The police have received several complaints of theft of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, from the parking lots on railway station premises in Central Travancore.

According to Railways sources, eight two-wheelers have been stolen from the parking lots attached to the Chengannur, Thiruvalla and Changanacherry stations in the past six months.

A few months ago, five vehicles were reported stolen from the Changanacherry railway station on a particular day. More recently, two motorcycles were stolen from the Chengannur railway parking lot.

The latest case was the theft of a Hero Honda Spendour motorcycle on February 4 from the Thiruvalla parking lot. The owner alleged that neither the Railways authorities nor the contractor who ran the parking lots, was willing to pay compensation, in spite of the fact that they charge parking fee.

The Railway Police Force have, however, returned the complaint saying that only incidents occurring on Railway platforms come under their purview.

The Thiruvalla police too have failed to make any headway in the investigation.

Flouting of norms

The commercial wing of the Railways in Thiruvananthapuram contends that as per contractual obligations, the licencee should pay compensation for the loss of vehicles due to theft, fire, damage, etc.

As per the agreement, the licencee should insure the parking lots against loss or damages due to theft, fire or any other accidents. It says the licencee should renew the insurance policy periodically during the contract period.

Though the guidelines suggest the construction of temporary shelters for two-wheelers, the vehicles are parked in the open area in front of the railway station.

The receipt issued by the licencee to the vehicle owner on payment of parking fee says "the Railways or the contractors are not responsible for theft or damage to the vehicle," adding that "the amount is levied only to utilise the space in the parking area."

Allegations have been raised about a nexus between vehicle thieves and certain quarters attached to railway stations and police stations in Central Travancore.

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