CHENNAI: Commuters of a Beach-bound Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) were in for a rude shock when a sharp stone was pelted on the train, after it crossed the Nungambakkam railway station on Monday afternoon. Though none was injured in the uncrowded compartment, a regular passenger complained that such stone pelting incidents were a routine feature in the Nungambakkam-Chetpet section.Further inquiries revealed the involvement of the school children in the incident. According to a Railway Protection Force (RPF) official, school children residing in Shastri Nagar, a slum situated on the banks of the Coouam River are indulging in this sort of nuisance for fun. “Excited over the speed of the trains, they throw stones to match the speed of the EMU with tiny stones. On many occasions, the stones enter bogies causing panic among the commuters,” the official added.Ironically, most of these children are in the age group of less than 12 years and do not understand its consequences. With more complaints pouring in, the RPF personnel often identifies the children and counsel them in the presence of their parents. “As they are juveniles, we don’t bring them to the RPF stations. Instead, they are being taken to the Gopalsamy Nagar Coaching Depot for counselling. We also invite parents to advise their wards,” an official stated.During counselling, it was observed that most of these children don’t get parental attention because either of the parents is dead. Also, most of these students pelt stones largely during closed holidays.The RPF personnel have also conducted camps at Shastri Nagar, in an attempt to prevent the children from committing such acts. “The camps have resulted positive with the frequency of incidents pertaining to vandalising having come down. RPF men are also being sent for patrolling,” the official added.
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