Thiruvananthapuram | As many as 33 people were arrested, of whom 25 were remanded, during inspections conducted at 13 railway police stations across Kerala in June and July as part of 'Operation Rakshitha', officials said.

'Operation Rakshitha' is an initiative launched by the Kerala Railway Police to prevent crimes against women travelling on trains and ensure their safety.

The arrests were made in connection with offences such as insulting women, sexual assault and violations of women's privacy, according to a police statement.

Special surveillance and inspections have been intensified to ensure the safety of women and children travelling by train, the statement said.

Railway Police Superintendent B Krishnakumar said inspections and legal action under the operation would continue.

Passengers facing any difficulty or harassment during train journeys have been advised to immediately seek assistance from the Railway Police.

They can use the Rail Maithri service through the Kerala Police's official POL-APP or contact the Emergency Response Support System at 112.

Passengers can also contact the dedicated Rail Alert helpline numbers or use the Indian Railways' Rail Alert app, the police said.