Jajpur/Bhadrak: Suspecting a major racket behind loots in trains, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials launched a crackdown and arrested one person while his partner-in-crime involved in two separate incidents on Sunday managed to give a slip.
As per reports, the first loot was carried out in one of the AC coaches of Howrah-Chennai Mail Express yesterday.
RPF officials swung into action after a few passengers alleged that their mobile phones and cash were stolen by some miscreants. After a frantic search, police recovered a stolen mobile from a purse along with some cash.
However in the evening, the RPF managed to nab one of the two robbers while they were attempting to loot a travel bag of a passenger in the crowded general coach of East Coast Express.
Police sources claimed that both the incidents happened in between Jajpur and Bhadrak stations and that the duo was involved in both the loots.
Meanwhile, the railway personnel have launched a manhunt drive and intensified search operations to nab all persons involved in the suspected train loot racket.
AK Singh, Jajpur Road RPF Inspector stated, "Yesterday morning we received information that a few mobiles are missing from the B1 coach of Howrah-Chennai Mail. So accordingly, after the train arrived, we carried out a search in the train following which a vanity bag was recovered with a mobile phone and Rs 5730 inside it. Later, we handed the belongings after contacting the owner. In the evening, one of our RPF personnel managed to nab a thief while he was trying to escape with a passenger's bag. Further legal procedures will be adopted."
On the passenger safety measures implemented by the RPF, Singh said, "Efforts are on the reduce the criminal activities. RPF staff have been deployed at stations between Bhadrak and Cuttack. This apart, night special checking are also conducted by the staff along with patrolling at frequent intervals."