At least 46 persons were apprehended and imposed a penalty of Rs 10,800 on the spot today for indulging in activities affecting cleanliness at the railway premises in the Salem Division. No arrests were made; the offenders were let off after collecting the fine, Southern Railway sources said.

This special drive against open defecation was carried out by a team of Railway Protection Force from 4.30 am to 10 am on tracks in the Salem section, following the orders of Divisional Railway Manager, they said.

A similar drive will be conducted on the Salem-Vriddhachalam section in the coming days, sources said.