RPF arrests over 800 illegal water suppliers under 'Operation Thirst'

Around 800 people were arrested under 'Operation Thirst', around the country in two days. The operation was conducted to catch hold of the illegal suppliers of water at railway stations and trains. More than 1600 litre of water was seized.

Hyderabad: Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested over 800 people, who were found supplying fake brands of water at railway stations and trains, under 'Operation Thirst'.

The drive was conducted for two days from July 8, in which almost every station of the Indian railways was examined.

In the Northern Railway Zone alone, 1600 litres of water, bottled under fake brands, was seized.

Railway Board's DIG Aroma Singh Thakur issued a letter to all the Zonal Principal Chief Security commandments, stating that illegal brand of water bottle is being sold in place of Rail Neer at railway stations.

On the first day of this operation, 1300 litres of illegal water brand was confiscated in the Delhi zone. Around 50 people were arrested from Delhi in this operation.

The demand for water increases in the summers and it leads to such illegal practices in the railway stations, said A N Jha, Senior Divisional Security Commandant.

The defaulters have been arrested and charged with section 144 and 153.

Along with this, the passengers have been also informed to purchase only Rail Neer water bottles.