Jewellery worth ₹63L recovered, train thief held

Jaipur: Govt Railway Police (GRP) Jaipur Sunday arrested a member of a Haryana-based theft gang for allegedly stealing jewellery worth around Rs 63 lakh and cash of Rs 2 lakh from a family travelling from Chennai to Jaipur by train. Police said the entire stolen haul was recovered from the accused.

Police identified the accused as Sonu (52), a resident of Rohtak district in Haryana.

“The incident took place on May 1 when a Chennai-based family was travelling to Jaipur in Train No 12969. The family had shifted some of their luggage, including a trolley bag carrying jewellery, to the gallery area of coach B-1 near Durgapura railway station due to crowding inside the compartment. Taking advantage of the rush and movement of passengers, the accused lifted the jewellery box from the trolley bag without raising suspicion,” said Arun Chaudhary, circle inspector, GRP, Jaipur, told TOI.

The family lodged an FIR after failing to find the luggage. The theft was discovered only after they reached home in Jaipur and checked their bags.

“It was found that these gangs specifically target passengers carrying valuables and exploit crowded conditions inside trains during arrival and departure at stations,” Chaudhary added.

The stolen items included gold chains, necklaces, bangles, rings, mangalsutras, earrings, and silver ornaments, besides cash. “We have recovered the stolen jewellery worth Rs 63 lakh and cash of Rs 2 lakh from the possession of the accused,” said an officer.

GRP officials said efforts are on to identify other gang members.