PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 27: In a remarkable display of vigilance and efficiency, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) busted an interstate gang specialised in the smuggling of stolen mobile phones.
Demonstrating exemplary teamwork and coordination, the RPF apprehended six accused (five men and one woman) and seized from their possession 302 stolen mobile phones, Rs 3.91 lakh cash and a Maruti Ertiga car.
This meticulously executed operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the RPF under “Operation Yatri Suraksha” to protect passengers and crack down on organized crime.
Suspicious behaviour leads to initial breakthrough
On November 25 during the escorting of Train No. 18046 Dn (East Coast Express), RPF lady escort staff observed two passengers travelling in Coach A2, Berth Nos. 2 and 3, behaving suspiciously.
The duo attempted to conceal their luggage, arousing the suspicion of the escort team. Upon inspection, their three bags were found stuffed with stolen mobile phones.
The suspects, identified as Puli Vanesh and Sathupati Mahalakshmi, admitted under interrogation that they were acting as couriers, transporting the stolen phones from Secunderabad to a handler in Shalimar in exchange for Rs 15,000 each.
Also Read- Religious conversion to get job reservation is fraud on Constitution: Supreme Court
Further intelligence sources revealed the presence of four accomplices near the south side of Kharagpur station.
The RPF raiding team swiftly acted and detained the suspects, recovering a grey Maruti Ertiga car and Rs 3.91 lakh in cash, further establishing their link to the stolen goods.
The accused were identified as Puli Vanesh (30 years), Sathupati Mahalakshmi (41 years), Brahm Dev Yadav (40 years), Syad Md Umar Nizami (28 years), Salamat Ali (30 years) and Asraf Ali (47 years).
Team effort uncovers organized crime network
This outstanding achievement was made possible by the prompt action of the RPF personnel with the escort team comprising HC Vijay Yadav, CT Sushil Kumar, LC Rinku Badala, LC Sangeeta Devi and the raiding team comprising SI B. Singh, ASI S.K. Pandey, C Ravikant and C Vikash.
Their collective efforts have led to the unearthing of a significant organized crime network and ensured the recovery of stolen assets worth more than Rs 60 lakhs.
This operation in the South Eastern Railway zone reaffirms the RPF’s steadfast resolve to safeguard railway passengers and dismantle criminal syndicates, setting a benchmark for efficiency and excellence in law enforcement.
Significantly, Operation Yatri Suraksha is a pan-India initiative by the Railway Protection Force to improve passenger security on moving trains and on other railway premises.
