The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is a security force of India entrusted with protecting railway passengers, passenger area and railway property of the Indian Railways .This is only central armed police force (CAPF, commonly known as para military force) which has power to arrest, investigate and prosecute criminals. The Force is commonly referred as RPF. The Force is under the authority of Ministry of Railways (India). The strength of RPF is about 65,000. RPF is headed by Director General(DG) who is usually an Indian Police Service officer. Mr. S K Bhagat, 1982 batch IPS officer of uttrakhand cadre has been appointed DG on 28 April 2016.He will succeed Mr R R verma, who superannuated on 20th Feb.2016.Since superannuation of Mr R R Verma, senior most RPF officer viz. Shri P S Rawal was looking after the duties of DG.
Objectives
Carry on an unrelenting fight against criminals in protecting railway passengers, passenger area and railway property.
Facilitate passenger-travel and security by removing all anti-social elements from trains, railway premises and passenger area.
Remain vigilant to prevent trafficking in women and children and take appropriate action to rehabilitate destitute children found in Railway areas.
Co-operate with other departments of the Railways in improving the efficiency and image of the Indian Railways.
Act as a bridge between the Government Railway Police/local police and the Railway administration.
Adopt proactively all modern technology, best human rights practices, management techniques and special measures for protection of female and elderly passengers and children, in the pursuit of these objectives.
The origin of this force was ‘Watch & Ward’ and functioned under the administrative control of railway administration. Later on this force was renamed as Railway Protection Force and its members were provided with the power of arrest without warrant for the unlawful possession of railway property. The term railway property included only the properties owned by the railway administration. In due course of time, the definition for the term Railway Property was extended and it included the properties owned by, or in the charge of or entrusted with the railways.
The offenders are booked under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966 which is shortly known as RP(UP) Act 1966. Now the Railway Protection Force has a separate administrative system and functions under the general supervision of the Railway Administration.
(Ref:www.tamilnadusslcresult2015.in & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railway_Protection_Force)