Muzaffarpur/Patna: A high-tech CCTV camera fitted with a solar panel and a SIM card of private network operator was found illegally installed near a railway crossing close to Sarai railway station in Samastipur rail division, prompting an investigation by railway authorities and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
The recovery triggered concern among railway and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials due to the sophisticated nature of the equipment and the authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Officials said the device was mounted on a height gauge pole near level crossing number 43 SPL and appeared to be operating through a solar power system.
Solar-powered device equipped with SIM card
According to railway officials, the camera was fitted with a solar panel and a SIM card of a private mobile network provider company, indicating that it may have been capable of transmitting live footage.
Muzaffarpur Rail Superintendent of Police Veena Kumari confirmed that the device had been seized and an investigation was under way.
“A written complaint regarding the suspicious CCTV camera was submitted by Sarai station superintendent Manoj Kumar. The site was inspected and the camera was seized. Investigation is continuing,” she said.
Two unidentified persons suspected
In his complaint, station superintendent Manoj Kumar Singh stated that on May 7 at around 2 pm, gatekeeper Santosh Kumar informed railway authorities that two unidentified persons had installed the CCTV camera on the western height gauge pole before leaving the spot.
Following the information, railway officials and the RPF personnel reached the site and found the camera installed at a height of nearly 10 feet along with a solar plate.
Equipment seized during investigation
RPF officials later verified that the camera had been installed without railway permission.
The device was seized on the night of May 8 in the presence of witnesses. Recovered items included a solar-powered stand camera, an Active Pixel ID, IMEI details, a SIM card, a 32 GB micro SD card and a small solar panel measuring approximately 10 by 6 inches.
Investigation under way
Railway police said efforts were under way to identify the individuals involved and determine the purpose behind the installation of the surveillance equipment.
Officials said the RPF and other concerned agencies were examining all possible angles related to the case.
