In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police Railway Unit has successfully dismantled two distinct gangs of women robbers who were preying on passengers across various railway stations in the national capital. The operation led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of stolen valuables, including jewellery and watches, with an estimated worth of around Rs 1 crore.
Modus Operandi of the Inter-State Gang
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra, the two gangs operated independently. The first was an inter-state network with links to Gujarat and Delhi. This gang, whose members were apprehended from Sarai Rohilla railway station, primarily targeted passengers near station lifts.
The women, hailing from Palitana and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, were temporarily residing in Delhi and frequently changed addresses to evade law enforcement. Their method was calculated: one member would engage a target in conversation as a distraction inside a lift, while another would discreetly open the victim's handbag, remove valuables, and hide them under shawls or in secret pockets stitched into their clothing. Police recovered jewellery and watches worth Rs 70 lakh from this group.
Local Gang from Anand Parbat Busted
The second gang was a local cluster operating from the Faridpuri camp in Anand Parbat, an area notorious for repeat offenders targeting crowded transit points. Police arrested four women from this group. Their specialty was targeting elderly women on escalators.
Investigators, relying on extensive analysis of over 100 CCTV cameras and field surveillance, tracked their movements. The accused would select victims by observing behaviour, specifically targeting those who repeatedly checked their bags or held them tightly. They would then follow closely, surreptitiously remove jewellery, and escape before being noticed. Stolen gold, diamond, and silver items worth Rs 30 lakh were recovered from them. One of the accused, identified as Laxmi, already had 13 cases of theft registered against her.
Police Advisory for Passenger Safety
Following the bust, the Delhi Police has issued a strong advisory for railway passengers. They have urged commuters to remain extremely vigilant while using lifts and escalators, noting these confined spaces are prime targets for pickpockets.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Keeping handbags zipped and held in front of the body.
- Avoiding the display of jewellery or large amounts of cash.
- Being wary of strangers standing unusually close or initiating unnecessary conversation.
- Immediately reporting any suspicious behaviour to railway police on platforms.
- Preferring CCTV-covered routes and avoiding isolated or excessively crowded spots.
In case of an emergency or suspected theft, commuters can seek help from the Railway Police help desk or dial the emergency number 112. This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts to secure public transit spaces and serves as a crucial reminder for passengers to safeguard their belongings.
