In a brazen daylight incident, six youngsters, four of whom are minors, have been booked for robbing a passenger inside a luggage coach of a Harbour Line train at Mumbai's Dockyard Road station. The crime occurred on Monday, sending shockwaves through the local commuter community.
The Incident: A Terrifying Ordeal in a Moving Train
The events unfolded around 4:30 pm on Monday. The group of boys, all residents of Dongri, boarded a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-bound local train at Dockyard Road station. They targeted a luggage coach where a lone passenger was travelling.
In a move designed to intimidate, the youngsters surrounded the victim. One of the assailants then used a trouser belt, putting it around the passenger's neck. Outnumbered and fearing for his safety, the passenger did not resist as the group stole Rs 11,000 in cash from his pockets. After committing the theft, the boys swiftly disembarked at the next station, Sandhurst Road, and fled with the stolen money.
Police Action and Arrests
Following a complaint lodged at the Wadala Government Railway Police (GRP) station, authorities sprang into action. A crucial breakthrough came from the examination of CCTV footage from the station and train, which clearly captured the suspects. This visual evidence led to the rapid identification and subsequent detention of all six individuals involved in the robbery.
Two of the accused, who are above 18 years of age, have been arrested. The four minors were sent to an observation home by the GRP. Investigations revealed a concerning background: the boys, who are not enrolled in any school or college, do odd jobs to support their families. Adding to the gravity of the situation, police disclosed that one of the boys over 18 has a prior crime record from his time as a juvenile.
Broader Implications and Commuter Safety
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about security on Mumbai's bustling local train network, particularly in less crowded coaches. The GRP has reiterated the importance of passengers remaining vigilant, especially when travelling alone or during off-peak hours. The case also brings to the fore the complex issue of juvenile delinquency and youth involvement in crime, with the suspects' socio-economic background and lack of formal education becoming a focal point of the narrative.
The police investigation is ongoing, with officials looking into possible connections to other similar incidents. Commuters are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately to railway authorities.
