Patna: An attempted robbery and assault incident aboard the South Bihar Express on Sunday has raised fresh concerns over passenger safety on long-distance trains in eastern India. The service, running from Durg in Chhattisgarh to Ara in Bihar, was briefly disrupted after a group of armed men allegedly entered the AC H1 coach and tried to loot valuables from passengers.
Officials said the train was halted for about 90 minutes at Fatuha railway station to allow police to conduct an initial investigation. By the time security personnel arrived, however, the suspects had fled, leaving passengers shaken and prompting further inquiries along the route.
Passengers reported that the assailants suddenly entered the coach, issued threats and attempted to snatch cash, mobile phones and other valuables. The situation triggered panic inside the compartment, but the attackers abandoned the robbery attempt after travellers raised an alarm, forcing them to escape before completing the crime.
Railway and local police teams conducted on-the-spot questioning of passengers and searched the coach at Fatuha station. The train later resumed its journey and reached Patna Junction with a delay, where Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force personnel continued recording statements from affected travellers.
Authorities confirmed that a case has been registered and search operations are under way in surrounding areas. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects, with officials expressing confidence that arrests will follow. The incident has intensified debate over onboard security measures amid recurring reports of crime on busy railway corridors.
