Patna: A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) has arrested eight women at Patna Junction for allegedly stealing mobile phones, bags, jewellery and other valuables from passengers.
The team recovered a stolen smartphone, a silver chain, two Lord Hanuman lockets, one Goddess Durga locket and three silver toe rings from the accused, officials said.
Accused Arrested
Seven of the arrested women — Pooja Devi, Kiran Devi, Sheela Devi, Ragini Devi, Chidai Devi, Anjori Devi and Shivani Kumari — are residents of Kundu village in Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh.
The eighth accused, Jamuna Devi, is from Balarampur Patri under the Kali Tola police station area of Purulia district, West Bengal.
Crowded Railway Areas Targeted
According to the RPF, interrogation indicated that the women allegedly operated as an organised group across trains and railway premises.
They allegedly targeted crowded coaches and passengers caught in the rush while boarding or getting off trains. Sleeping passengers were also allegedly targeted, with the suspects taking advantage of moments when belongings were unattended.
The alleged thefts extended to platforms, waiting rooms, foot-over-bridges, circulating areas and charging points. The group allegedly stole mobile phones left unattended for charging and valuables from passengers’ pockets.
RPF Issues Passenger Safety Advisory
Saket Kumar, Inspector at the RPF Patna Post, urged passengers to remain alert about their belongings and not judge security risks based on a person’s appearance or gender.
The RPF advised passengers to avoid using mobile phones carelessly near train doors or windows, keep chains and other jewellery secure, and not hand over valuables to strangers.
Passengers have also been advised to keep their belongings secure while sleeping, check them periodically and immediately report suspicious activity to the RPF or GRP.
