Kolkata,
Kharagpur, 25/11/2024: In a remarkable display of vigilance and efficiency, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Kharagpur Post has dismantled an interstate gang specialised in the smuggling of stolen mobile phones. Demonstrating exemplary teamwork and coordination, the RPF apprehended six individuals (five males and one female) and seized:
– 302 stolen mobile phones
– ₹3,91,000/- in liquid cash
– 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.
On November 25, 2024, during the escorting of Train No. 18046 Dn (East Coast Express), RPF lady escort staff observed two passengers traveling 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 Shalimar in exchange for ₹15,000 each.
Further intelligence 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 ₹3,91,000/- in cash, further establishing their link to the stolen goods.
Accused Persons
1. Puli Vanesh (30 years)
2. Sathupati Mahalakshmi (41 years)
3. Brahm Dev Yadav (40 years)
4. Syad Md Umar Nizami (28 years)
5. Salamat Ali (30 years)
6. Asraf Ali (47 years)
This outstanding achievement was made possible by the diligence and swift action of the RPF personnel with Escort team comprising HCVijay 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 60 lakhs.
The arrested individuals, along with the seized items, were handed over to GRPS/KGP, where a case has been registered under relevant sections of the law for further investigation.
This operation reaffirms the RPF’s steadfast resolve to safeguard railway passengers and dismantle criminal syndicates, setting a benchmark for efficiency and excellence in law enforcement.