The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is conducting security checks on trains arriving in Kerala during Vishu to prevent the transportation of fireworks into the state. They are targeting those who purchase cheaper crackers in Tamil Nadu and attempt to bring them into Kerala. Anyone caught will face imprisonment, heavy fines, or...
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both. The inspections are concentrated around Palakkad, Mangalore, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram stations, with each team consisting of four members. The RPF officers will be in plainclothes during these raids and charges will be filed under Sections 164 and 165 of the Railway Act, which carry a potential penalty of three years imprisonment, a fine of Rs. 1000, or both.