Hyderabad: Secunderabad Railway Police had apprehended an interstate zip theft gang arrested for stealing gold ornaments from passengers at Secunderabad Railway Station.
The zip theft gang arrested included three persons from West Bengal. They were identified as Barsha Khairuyar, 26, Khushabu Kumari, 21, and Uttam Khairuyar, 21. Police said all three were taken into custody on May 1 in a joint operation with the Railway Protection Force.
Officials said the accused were family members working as labourers. However, they conspired to commit thefts targeting railway passengers across states to earn quick money.
Zip theft gang arrested after planned train thefts
According to police, the gang followed a specific modus operandi. Barsha and Khushabu carried their infants and posed as passengers to avoid suspicion.
They created congestion near AC coach doors and diverted passengers’ attention. They used dupattas to cover handbags and unzipped them to steal valuables.
Meanwhile, Uttam stood at a distance and monitored surroundings. He alerted them in case of any risk.
Five days before the arrest, the trio had reached Secunderabad from West Bengal. They committed petty thefts in trains using the same method.
On April 27, they targeted passengers boarding the Vande Bharat Express at platform number one. During the incident, Khushabu pushed a victim to distract her.
At the same time, Barsha covered the victim’s handbag and unzipped it. She stole a purse containing gold ornaments from inside the bag.
Zip theft gang arrested with gold ornaments seized
On May 1 early morning, the accused again reached Secunderabad Railway Station. They intended to repeat similar offences.
However, police noticed their suspicious behaviour and apprehended them. During interrogation, all three confessed to the theft.
Police recovered 72 grams of gold ornaments from their possession. The seized property was valued at ₹10.8 lakh.
The operation was led by SHO B. Saieashwar Goud along with officers S.V. Subba Reddy and T. Madhav. Crime team members and women staff participated in the action.
RPF personnel, including Bhavani Shankar Saraswat, assisted in the operation. Senior officers supervised the case and investigation.
Railway and Road Safety IGP K. Ramesh Naidu appreciated the police team. He stated that the officers involved would receive suitable rewards.