This refers to ‘Train of dacoities’, (PM, July 28). The series of daring train dacoities in the last few days raises a question mark on the safety of rail passengers. The miscreants have been targeting only long distance trains in the wee hours as they are well aware that passengers are fast asleep during this period.

The RPF and the GRP, who are suppose to ensure the safety of passengers and their belongings on board, have been consistently missing from the scene of crime. Pending cases against the GRP personnel means the possibility of their conniving with the perpetrators cannot be ruled out.

Further, the situation at our railway stations is also grim. Stations have become hotspots of vagabonds, beggars and anti-social elements as GRP or RPF are conspicuous by their absence. The railway authorities must nab the culprits as soon as possible to restore public confidence.
 
-  Arun Kumar

  Encroaching campaign 

Members of India Against Corruption have occupied a footpath on J M Road in front of Balgandharva Rangmandir since July 24 for their campaign. I would like to ask how permission can be given for staging a protest on the footpath? Thankfully, due to lukewarm response from Punekars, the area is free of obstruction.

But a four-wheeler with the campaign’s sticker pasted on it parked 24x7 near the venue has been violating traffic norms. In the event of an emergency it will be difficult for an ambulance or a fire tender to drive in. Will the organisers or the traffic police take suitable action .

-   Prakash Bedekar

This is with reference to ‘Killer encroachment’, (PM, July 27). I think time has come that Puneites come together and support the Pune Municipal Corporation’s drive against encroachments.

Commercial establishments have encroached upon footpaths and the pedestrians have to go through a harrowing time. It was disappointing to know that a three-year-old lost her life because of encroachments.

The drive should transform into a movement and we must not let it fizzle out. After all it has taken decades for the civic body to even initiate some action against encroachers. 

-   Rajan Datar

  Poor quality kits 

This refers to ‘Hours before Games, Team India breathing fire over shoddy kits’, (PM, July 27). It is a matter of grave concern and a shame for all Indians that sub-standard kits were supplied to our contingent.

The anger was visible as ace hockey player Sandeep Singh wore torn shorts as a mark of protest.

It will be interesting to watch what action the IOA is going to take against the contractor who supplied the kits. IOA’s vice president V K Malhotra will have to do a lot of explaining.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken should take stock of Dida’ s quality control measures. It should be asked to refund the amount as punitive damages.

-   Jatin Verma