In a shocking incident highlighting security concerns on Mumbai's suburban network, six youngsters, four of them minors, robbed a passenger inside a Harbour line train at Dockyard Road station on Monday. The Government Railway Police (GRP) have registered an FIR and taken action against the accused.
The Harrowing Robbery on a Moving Train
The victim, a 22-year-old labourer hailing from Uttar Pradesh, was on his way to work around 4:15 pm. He boarded a CSMT-bound local train at Dockyard Road station and entered the luggage coach. The six accused were already present inside the otherwise empty compartment.
As the train began moving, the group surrounded the complainant. To intimidate him, one of the boys took out the victim's own trouser belt and put it around his neck. Outnumbered and terrified, the labourer did not resist as the assailants emptied his pockets and fled with Rs 11,000 in cash. The robbery took place swiftly, and the group jumped off the train when it reached Sandhurst Road station.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Shaken by the experience, the complainant got off at the subsequent station, Masjid Bunder. After completing his work, he returned to Sandhurst Road station where, by chance, he spotted two of the accused. He immediately alerted the police, leading to their detention.
The duo was taken to Dongri police station, and the Wadala GRP was informed. Through information provided by the arrested individuals, the police tracked down their associates. Two of the boys, aged 18.5 years, have been arrested. The four minors, aged between 14 and 17 years, have been sent to an observation home.
A police officer revealed a concerning detail: "One of the boys who is above 18 has a prior crime record from when he was a juvenile." The police have pressed charges of dacoity against the entire group.
Background of the Accused and Safety Concerns
Investigations shed light on the difficult circumstances of the accused. Five of the six live in the Masjid Bunder area and are involved in odd jobs to support their families. Notably, none of them are enrolled in any school or college, pointing towards issues of access to education and systemic support.
This incident raises serious questions about passenger safety, especially in less crowded compartments during off-peak hours. The GRP's swift action in this case led to the recovery of the stolen cash and the identification of all involved. Authorities continue to urge passengers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
