RPF Woman Constable Patrolling New Delhi Railway Station with Baby Sparks Concern Among Netizens

Constable Reena’s duty shift with her infant son at New Delhi Railway Station raises questions about safety and work-life balance.

New Delhi – A viral video circulating on social media has raised concerns after it showed Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Reena patrolling the crowded platforms of New Delhi Railway Station with her one-year-old son secured in a baby carrier. The video has sparked widespread reactions, with many netizens questioning the safety of such a situation, especially in the aftermath of the tragic stampede that claimed 18 lives on February 15.

A Mother’s Dedication Amid Tragedy

Reena, despite being on leave, was called in for duty after the deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station left 18 dead and 15 others injured. According to reports from The Times of India, Reena’s husband is a CRPF constable posted in Jammu and Kashmir, and with no immediate family support, she had no choice but to bring her young child, Tarun, to her shift.

The duty shift, which extends from 4 PM to midnight, involves managing heavy crowds at stations such as Platform 16 at New Delhi Railway Station, and sometimes also requires Reena to oversee Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar railway hubs. Despite the demanding nature of the job, Reena continues to juggle her responsibilities as a mother and a constable, ensuring her baby’s comfort while also performing her professional duties.

Balancing Maternal and Professional Responsibilities

In the viral video, Constable Reena is seen in her RPF uniform, patrolling the platform with Tarun safely secured in a baby carrier attached to her chest. She is carrying a baton in one hand while ensuring her son’s safety, and managing her routine as a mother, bringing along homemade dalia porridge, milk, a blanket, and nappies to meet Tarun’s needs.

When asked how she manages, Reena gave a simple yet poignant reply: “It’s a normal routine for me. I just make sure the baby doesn’t get hurt. I’m looking for a caregiver to help me. But, until then, I’ll keep doing what I have to do.”

Watch the video below :

She serves, she nurtures, she does it all—
A mother, a warrior, standing tall…

Constable Reena from 16BN/RPSF performing her duties while carrying her child, representing the countless mothers who balance the call of duty with motherhood every day.#NariShakti #HeroesInUniform… pic.twitter.com/enzaw0iDYo

— RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) February 17, 2025

RPF India’s Tribute to a Dedicated Officer

Recognizing her resilience, RPF India shared a post on Twitter (now X), celebrating Reena’s efforts with the caption: “She serves, she nurtures, she does it all—A mother, a warrior, standing tall…” The post also included a video and photo showcasing the mother’s unwavering commitment to both her professional and personal duties.

Social Media Reactions: Concerns Over Safety

Despite the admiration for Reena’s dedication, the video has sparked concerns on social media, with several users criticizing the potential danger of bringing an infant into such a high-risk environment.

• One user commented, “It is very dangerous to do crowd control with a baby. A mob can put the baby in great risk. She will not be able to discharge her duty properly with the baby. This is not at all appreciable. Please shift her to a safer area for the safety of the baby.”
• Another user pointed out the risks, stating, “Should she be risking her kid, after what we saw at Delhi and Patna? RPF should have an office space at all stations, or at least create a small kids’ area for staff who need to bring their children to work.”

The Broader Issue: Work-Life Balance for Parents in the Force

Reena’s situation highlights a broader issue faced by many working parents, particularly those in demanding professions such as law enforcement. While her dedication is commendable, it raises important questions about work-life balance, employee welfare, and the safety of officers with young children.

Experts suggest that employers, especially in fields like security and law enforcement, should consider creating safe spaces for employees with children or providing assistance for childcare, to ensure that officers are not forced to make such difficult choices between their professional duties and family responsibilities.

As Reena continues to serve her duty while caring for her young son, her story serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices many individuals make in service to their country, and the urgent need for policies that support working parents in high-risk professions.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times