A total of 231 criminals were also apprehended by RPF and GRP in this connection in 2010, according to data prepared by the RPF.
"We have arrested 231 criminals of 75 gangs involved in drugging cases in trains and railway premises in 2010," a senior Railway Ministry official said.
The modus operandi of the culprits is to offer drug-laced food like sweets, biscuits, or cold drinks to unsuspecting passengers in trains and take away all belongings after making them unconscious, the official said.
Even fruits like banana and watermelon are injected with sedatives by the drug mafia to target passengers, he added.
Though drugging cases are being reported throughout the country, the problem is more acute in trains going towards Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, North-east and on Delhi routes.
Last year, the maximum number of drugging cases were reported in Eastern Railway. "Fifty-seven criminals involving 15 gangs were apprehended in Eastern Railway zone alone," said the official.
The number of arrests in Northern Railway and North Central was also as high as 52 and 51 respectively in this connection.
Alarmed over the menace, the Railway Ministry has prepared a short film to be shown at different cantonments and Army camps as there have been several instances of Army and para-military personnel, particularly travelling in east-bound trains, falling victims to such gangs.
"We are launching a constant awareness campaign to educate passengers about the drugging menace through posters and pamphlets. We also make regular announcement at stations to alert passengers about the menace," he said.
Regular coordination meetings are being conducted between RPF and GRP for better exchange of intelligence regarding gangs indulging in such activities and a joint strategy is being formulated to effectively contain the crime in the drug-prone zones.
"Organised gangs are involved in the crime and certain trains are identified in which such incidents are frequently reported. We have taken certain measures to prevent the menace," the official said.
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