Mangaluru: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel attached to Southern Railway’s Mangaluru Central Post have once again demonstrated their commitment to passenger safety and integrity. On Friday, officials handed over a left-behind luggage containing valuables worth ₹5.92 lakh to its rightful owner after swift and efficient action.

Luggage recovered from Mangaluru Central railway station

According to an official release from the RPF, Sub-Inspector K. Premkumar and constable K. Pradeesh were on routine patrol duty at the Mangaluru Central railway station when they noticed an unattended bag on platform number 3. Following standard security protocol, the officers secured the luggage and conducted a preliminary check to rule out any potential threat.

Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain cash, mobile phones, spectacles, and other valuable items. The total worth of the recovered belongings was estimated at ₹5.92 lakh, the RPF statement added.

How the owner was traced

The officers took immediate steps to identify the owner of the luggage. A call was received on one of the recovered mobile phones, which led them to contact the rightful owner. After verification, the belongings were confirmed to belong to a passenger who had misplaced them while boarding a train from Mangaluru Central station.

Since the owner was out of station at the time, the RPF coordinated with the family to return the items. The luggage was formally handed over to Suresh Kumar, a relative of the owner, after completing all verification procedures and documentation.

RPF’s role in ensuring passenger safety

The Railway Protection Force has been proactive in ensuring not just the safety of passengers and railway property but also in assisting travellers in distress. The Mangaluru Central Post has reported several such instances in recent months, where misplaced or left-behind luggage containing valuables, documents, and electronic items were traced and returned.

In many cases, passengers forget or misplace their belongings while boarding or alighting from trains. The RPF’s alertness and quick coordination have helped many recover their possessions, building confidence among commuters who rely on rail transport.

Officials stated that the RPF continues to maintain a strict vigilance across railway platforms, circulating areas, and waiting halls. They urged passengers to remain cautious with their belongings and immediately report any suspicious or unattended items to railway staff or security personnel.

Appreciation for RPF personnel

Passengers and local residents appreciated the honesty and diligence of RPF officers Premkumar and Pradeesh, whose prompt action prevented a possible loss of valuable items. Their effort once again underscores the RPF’s commitment to public service and accountability.

Railway officials from the Southern Railway division lauded the personnel for their professional conduct, highlighting that such acts of honesty not only reflect the department’s ethos but also strengthen public faith in the railway security system.

Conclusion

This incident at Mangaluru Central serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by the Railway Protection Force in ensuring safety, security, and transparency within the Indian Railways network. The department’s continuous efforts to assist passengers and protect their property contribute significantly to the credibility and reliability of the railway system in India.