In a brazen incident highlighting security concerns on Indian Railways, several passengers travelling in air-conditioned coaches of the Jodhpur-Kamakhya Express (15623) were robbed of their valuables in the early hours of Thursday. The theft occurred while the train was passing through a dark, isolated stretch between Patna Sahib and Hardas Bigha stations.
How the Nighttime Robbery Unfolded
According to accounts from the affected travellers, the crime took place around 4:30 AM. A group of four to six miscreants entered the AC coaches—specifically A1, A2, B1, and B6—while passengers were asleep. The location was approximately 30 kilometres from Patna, under the jurisdiction of the Danapur division of the East Central Railway.
The thieves systematically stole purses, cellphones, cash, and other personal belongings. After completing their operation, they pulled the alarm chain near Hardas Bigha station and fled into the darkness, exploiting the lack of proper lighting and surveillance in the area.
Victims' Accounts and Official Response
Two of the identified victims, Kamlesh Kumar and Rishi Kumar, reported significant losses. Kamlesh Kumar, who boarded the train from Jodhpur, stated that valuables worth over ₹50,000 were stolen collectively from passengers in his coach. He promptly reported the incident to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) using the Rail Madad app.
Rishi Kumar, travelling from Varanasi, suffered a personal loss of around ₹20,000, which included cash. The passengers collectively alleged a severe lapse in security, pointing out the absence of any railway escort personnel in the reserved AC coaches during the night journey.
Patna Superintendent of Rail Police, Inamul Haque, confirmed that the matter was under investigation, though no formal written complaint had been lodged at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, a senior RPF official in Patna revealed that preliminary checks of CCTV footage from Patna Junction did not show any suspicious persons boarding the train from that station. The footage is being examined further to trace the criminals' movements.
Broader Concerns Over Night Train Security
This incident has reignited serious questions about the safety of passengers on long-distance trains, especially during night hours. The affected individuals highlighted the inadequate security and lack of night surveillance, even in premium reserved AC coaches of mail and express trains passing through crucial sections like the Danapur division mainline.
The reliance on digital complaints via the Rail Madad app, while useful, underscores the need for physical security presence. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining all angles to apprehend the culprits responsible for this alarming theft.
