Gang Disables Signal, Robs Women on Mahalaxmi Express
A group of men halted a train in Maharashtra, robbing women passengers of gold ornaments worth ₹2 lakh.
The robbery occurred around 2:30 AM near Salpa railway station.
The gang used stone pelting to deter pursuit after the robbery.
Police have launched a search operation to apprehend the suspects.
In a shocking incident early Sunday morning, a gang of eight to ten men tampered with the railway signaling system, bringing the Mahalaxmi Express, which was en route from Mumbai to Kolhapur, to a halt in Satara district, Maharashtra. The incident took place around 2:30 AM near Salpa railway station, where the suspects targeted three women passengers, stealing gold ornaments valued at approximately ₹2 lakh.
According to the Miraj Railway Police, after stopping the train, the assailants entered the S-2 coach and forcibly snatched the jewelry from the women. To prevent any immediate pursuit, they also pelted stones at coaches S-2, S-3, and S-4, causing panic among the passengers onboard. This brazen act has raised serious concerns regarding the safety measures in place on the train, especially since three Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel were present during the incident.
Police Inspector Sitaram Phand stated that initial investigations suggest the gang was well-coordinated, with some members positioned near the signaling system while others executed the robbery inside the train. The police are currently working to piece together the exact sequence of events and identify the roles of each suspect involved in this crime.
The incident has sparked discussions about the adequacy of security arrangements for train passengers, particularly given the presence of RPF personnel who were unable to prevent the robbery. Authorities are now under pressure to enhance safety protocols to protect passengers from such incidents in the future.
A case has been registered at the Miraj Railway Police Station, and a comprehensive search operation is underway to locate and apprehend the suspects involved in this audacious robbery. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation.
