In a distressing incident, senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former MP, P K Sreemathy, fell victim to theft while travelling by train from Kolkata to Bihar. Her handbag, containing valuable personal belongings, was stolen from the compartment during the night journey.
The Incident: A Theft in the Night
Sreemathy boarded the train at 8 pm on Tuesday, travelling in a Second AC (2AC) coach. The journey was intended to take her to Samastipur in Bihar, where she was scheduled to attend the state conference of the All India Democratic Women's Conference (AIDWA). After settling in for the night, she discovered the theft upon waking at approximately 5:45 am on Wednesday. Her handbag, which held her mobile phone, an unspecified amount of cash, and several jewellery items, was missing.
Immediate Response and Police Complaint
Reacting swiftly to the discovery, Sreemathy pulled the emergency chain to halt the train and alert authorities. Despite this immediate action, a search failed to locate the robbers or the stolen bag. Following the incident, she formally lodged a complaint at the Dalsingh Sarai police station. Local law enforcement authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the theft is currently underway.
Context and Ongoing Probe
The theft highlights concerns over passenger safety on long-distance train routes. Sreemathy, a prominent political figure from Kozhikode, was on a significant political assignment when the incident occurred. The police are examining all available evidence and details from the complaint to identify the perpetrators. The loss of the mobile phone also raises potential concerns about data security, adding another layer to the investigation.
This event serves as a reminder for all travellers to remain vigilant with their belongings, especially during overnight journeys. The outcome of the police investigation is now awaited as authorities work to recover the stolen items.
