This story is from June 1, 2020

Miscreants attack railway employee deployed at level crossing near Bagalkot

Miscreants attack railway employee deployed at level crossing near Bagalkot
Parashuram Harnal, the gateman at LC gate no. 51 near Kadlimatti halt in Bagalkot-Almamti section of Hubballi division of South Western Railway (SWR), was allegedly attacked by a group when he denied to open the gate during passing of a locomotice.
Hubballi: The attack on a railway trackman by miscreants at a level crossing (LC) near Bagalkot on Saturday after he reportedly refused to open the gate citing an oncoming locomotive train has triggered a debate on the safety of railway personnel and passengers as well.
The victim, Parashura, Harnal works as the gatemen at LC gate no. 51 near Kadlimatti on the Bagalkot-Almatti line, which falls under the purview of the South Western Railway (SWR), Hubballi division.

Recounting the horrific episode to TOI, Harnal said that he shut the gate since an engine that had left Jadramakunti was scheduled to pass through. “A biker who arrived at the LC insisted that I open the gate so he could get through. When I refused citing that an engine was about to pass, he called his friends and family members to the spot. Within a few seconds, a group comprising both men and women arrived and started hurling abuses at me in Kannada and Hindi, before proceeding to assault me. They even tore my uniform. Since there were no means using which I could defend myself, I raised the red flag to halt the engine. They tried to assault me again when I boarded the engine. I subsequently rode the engine to Bagalkot, where my seniors took note of the injuries I had sustained on my back and admitted me to the government hospital,” said Harnal.
Assistant general secretary for the All India Railway Track Maintainers’ Union, Hubballi Ravikumar Kenganal said that attacks of this nature were disturbingly common. “If these miscreants are not brought to book and punished, they will pose a threat to the trains, and safety of passengers,” he feared.
Deputy superintendent of the government railway police (GRP), Hubballi BB Patil said that a case had been registered in connection with the assault. “SWR officials visited the GRP station in Vijayapura on Sunday and relayed the details of the incident,” he said.
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