Mumbai: In a swift action, the Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS) of Western Railway’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) caught four persons involved in passenger theft cases with the help of CCTV footage from the railway circulating area and train on 09 February 2024.
According to a press release issued by Western Railway, the CPDS team was working on information regarding the theft of cash and valuables from passengers travelling by train. They analysed the CCTV footage of the railway stations and trains where the incidents occurred and identified four suspects who were seen boarding and alighting the trains in a suspicious manner.
The CPDS team then tracked down the suspects and apprehended them from different locations in Mumbai. They recovered stolen cash and valuables worth Rs 1.5 lakh from their possession. The accused confessed to their involvement in several passenger theft cases and revealed their modus operandi. They used to target passengers who were travelling alone or with luggage and snatch their belongings while they were asleep or distracted.
The CPDS team handed over the accused to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal action. A case has been registered against them under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Railways Act, 1989.
The Western Railway authorities have appreciated the CPDS team for their commendable work and have urged the passengers to be vigilant and careful while travelling by train. They have also advised the passengers to report any suspicious activity or person to the RPF or GRP personnel for prompt action. The Western Railway has installed CCTV cameras at all major railway stations and trains to enhance the security and safety of the passengers and railway property.