MEMBER OF A CHAIN SNATCHING GANG ARRESTED

MEMBER OF A CHAIN SNATCHING GANG ARRESTED

7-OCT-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The RPF and GRP of Arrah have achieved a major breakthrough against a gang involved in stealing luggage and jewelry from railway passengers. Acting under 'Operation Yatri Suraksha' (Passenger Safety Operation)—led by Deepak Kumar, Inspector-in-Charge of RPF Arrah, and Nitish Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of the Government Railway Police (GRP) Arrah—the police arrested a member of the gang in a joint operation. Two mobile phones suspected to be stolen were recovered from the arrested accused.

Reports indicate that following complaints regarding two incidents of gold chain snatching from passengers at Arrah Railway Station, RPF and GRP teams thoroughly examined footage from the station's CCTV cameras. Analysis of the footage revealed that a gang of 3-4 members targeted passengers using a specific modus operandi.

Gang members would first surround the targeted passenger from behind and use their backpacks, held upwards, as a screen. Taking advantage of the crowd, one member would snatch the chain from the passenger's neck and immediately board the next coach. Meanwhile, other gang members would board the train alongside the passenger and flee the scene.

Based on the CCTV footage, the suspects' physical appearance, attire, footwear, and other identifying features were closely studied. Subsequently, on October 5, 2026, an individual resembling the previously identified suspect was spotted at Arrah Railway Station. The team stopped and questioned him.

During interrogation, the accused could not provide a satisfactory reason for his presence at the station. He initially attempted to mislead the team by claiming to be a painter. However, under intense questioning, he confessed to being a gang member and revealed the gang's method of surrounding passengers to commit thefts. The arrested accused has been identified as Idris Laskar, a resident of 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Two mobile phones suspected to be stolen were recovered from his possession. Verification revealed that the accused had previously been arrested and jailed in connection with two theft cases registered at the Ara Government Railway Police (GRP) station.

The police are now conducting continuous raids and operations to identify and arrest other absconding members of the gang. Further legal action is being taken in the matter.

The RPF and GRP (Ara) have stated that the safety of railway passengers is their top priority. Effective action against criminals involved in offenses against passengers will continue.