The Government Railway Police (GRP) has arrested one man in connection with a string of robberies in trains on the Konkan Railway. The accused, Jagdish Shahu (36), was arrested on January 15 by the Vashi GRP Crime Branch. He has named two other accomplices, Deepak Soni (40) and Sahil Khan (35), who are on the run.
Lone travellers targeted
“The trio would board the general compartment of trains at Panvel and target passengers who were travelling alone. They would give them biscuits and water laced with drugs and rob them of their possessions once they became unconscious,” said Purushottam Karad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Western), GRP. Police officials said the trio had been charged with crimes in Madhya Pradesh, from where they hail.
Staff of the Vashi GRP were at Andheri pursuing another case, when they spotted Mr. Shahu. Police officials said he confessed to five more crimes and revealed the name of his accomplices.
“The ring leader is Deepak Soni. He has been wanted in other cases in Bhopal, Palghar and Dahanu,” Mr. Karad said.
Stolen goods recovered
The police have recovered goods worth ₹70,000, which include an LCD television set. Mr. Karad said the other passengers probably did not raise an alarm since the victim would appear to be part of the group. “The three would work together and befriend the victim,” Mr. Karad said.
Police officials said the effect of the drug would be potent; one of the victims was unconscious for nearly three days and had to be hospitalised.
