Margao, Oct 12 (TOI): Nanhe Farishte, the Railway Board's recently constituted rescue team had already rescued 591 children and 10 women and re-united them with their families said general manager, South Western Railway (SWR), A K Gupta.

Gupta was speaking after inspecting the parade at the 33rd Raising Day of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) organized by the South Western Railway at Hubballi, recently. The parade was commanded by inspector, RPF Vasco, Rithesh Kumar with inspector of Mysuru Post Satish Kumar as the second in-command, said a South Western Railway press release.

Stating that the RPF was doing an "excellent job on humanity front" by saving children from the clutches of unwanted elements, Gupta said that efforts were being made to establish RPF training centre at Krishnarajanagar on Mysuru division at an estimated cost of about Rs 48 crore, the note added.

Gupta also acknowledged the role of the RPF in actively assisting in ticket checking drives. RPF is also investigating a high profile case of misappropriation of railway cash to the tune of Rs 65 lakh from the Bengaluru Division in the month of April, 2017, of which Rs 25 lakh was recovered, the note said, further stating that during the current year, up to August, 23,000 cases were booked under the various provisions of Railway Act, 1989, and Rs 75 lakh realized as fine.

Gupta also appreciated the RPF staff for their regular interaction with passengers "for instilling confidence and spreading awareness regarding modus operandi of criminals". RPF has interacted with about 8 lakh passengers during the current year, the note said.

RPF's contribution towards safety in train operations was also recognised, adds the note.