A 32-year-old man was arrested by the Government Railway Police on Wednesday for covering a railway signal with cloth to force a train to slow down, allowing him to board and snatch a passenger's gold chain. The incident occurred on Tuesday around 6:30 am between Kattankulathur and Potheri in Chennai.
How the Robbery Was Executed
The accused, identified as Kumaresan of Villivakkam, used a piece of cloth to obscure the railway signal. The loco pilot of the Nellai Express, heading towards Chennai, slowed the train as the signal ahead was not visible. Taking advantage of the reduced speed, Kumaresan boarded the train and robbed a woman named Asutha of Tuticorin, stealing her four-sovereign gold chain valued at ₹4.75 lakh.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the woman's complaint, a police team led by Egmore Railway Police Deputy Superintendent N Kavinna launched an investigation. Officers discovered that the signal had been covered with cloth. They analyzed CCTV footage from railway stations and surrounding areas, which led them to Kumaresan.
During interrogation, police found that Kumaresan worked as an autorickshaw driver and had a history of robbing passengers on slow-moving trains, particularly in areas like Basin Bridge. He has pending cases at Chennai Central, Korukkupet, and Royapuram railway police stations and was previously detained under the Goondas Act.
Modus Operandi
Police revealed that Kumaresan had adopted a method of obstructing railway signals with cloth in suburban sections to slow down or halt trains before targeting passengers. This technique allowed him to board moving trains and commit thefts with ease.
Police Advisory
Addressing the media, Deputy Superintendent Kavinna stated that the accused was arrested within 24 hours of the complaint. She advised passengers to remain vigilant during train journeys and immediately report any suspicious movement or thefts to railway police.
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