A theft of Rs. 35.45 Lakhs from a running train Cracked in 48 Hours — Accused Nabbed, Entire Valuables Recovered.

In a swift and efficient operation, a high-value theft case involving diamond and gold ornaments along with cash — totalling Rs.35.45 lakh — was solved within 48 hours by RPF, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Local Crime Branch (LCB). The incident occurred aboard the A–2 compartment of 22944: Indore–Daund Express, where a senior citizen, a resident of Indore discovered her handbag missing when she woke up early in the morning on 20^th. June 2025. The bag contained valuable jewellery including a diamond bracelet, diamond necklace, rings, gold watch, gold chain, and Rs.50,000 in cash worth a total of Rs.40 lakh.

The old lady aged 73 years was traveling from Indore to Lonavala along with her husband to participate in a religious function at Lonavala. At night both the old couple slept after having dinner. The aged lady being conscious, had kept the handbag close to her armpit before going to sleep. After waking up in the morning when the train was about to reach Lonavala around 7:30 am, she had found her bag containing valuables were missing, and immediately called upon Indian Railways helpline no 139.

The couple being disturbed, depressed cried for help. FIR was been lodged with GRP Lonavala. GRP, RPF and railways officials constituted different teams and sent it to different stations where the train stopped. The train had travelled through Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Nagda, Khachrod, Ratlam, Meghnagar, Dahod, Godhra, Vadodara, Surat, Vasai Road, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Karjat, Lonavala, Chinchwad, Pune and Daund. All the CCTV footages of the respective stations were explored.

It was found that one person suspectedly deboarded the train at Kalyan Junction, but had not stepped out from the station complex. On further tracking it was found that at one location he kept himself very watchful and was looking for dodging police and cameras.  Further investigation revealed that he was a habitual thief and was on bail since the last 15 days. Police raided his premises and found all the valuables. Based on this lead, a team of investigators traced the accused — Mahesh Arun Ghag alias Vicky, a resident of Chembur, Mumbai. The entire stolen property has been successfully recovered and handed over to the family.

This case underscores Indian Railways’ and state police Maharashtra’ strong commitment to passenger safety and swift criminal response. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant during travel and immediately report suspicious activity to railway staff or helpline 139.

Team Maverick.