Thieves who sang in trains to distract victims held

Two thieves, who sang on trains, have been arrested for allegedly robbing passengers, the police said on Tuesday. Foreign currency, among other articles, were recovered from their possession, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh said Laxmi Narayan (33) and Javed (36) were arrested when two officers were checking a DTC bus.

“Sub-Inspector Kuldeep and Constable Pawan observed that the two persons got off the bus when they saw the team. The two started running when the officers chased them. While Laxmi was nabbed, the other fled the spot,” Mr. Singh said.

On checking his bag, the police found American and Canadian dollars, Euros, cash and watch. “On being asked how he had the items, he could not give a satisfactory response,” the officer said.

Based on information given by Laxmi, Javed was nabbed, the officer said, adding that similar articles were found in his possession. The police also found a number in the bag and during investigation, it was found that the accused had stolen things from a foreign family on a train who visit Almora every year.

The family had got an FIR registered in Nainital.

Modus operandi

During interrogation, Javed allegedly told the police that he has been involved in railway thefts since 2002 and the two used to sing on the trains to distract people and then steal from them.