Bhubaneswar: In a major breakthrough under Operation ‘Yatri Surakshya’, the Detective Wing of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) apprehended a six-member criminal gang at the Coaching Complex in Puri. The gang was caught while conspiring to carry out a dacoity on night-running trains operating between Puri and Khurda Road.

During the operation, the RPF team recovered 23 stolen mobile phones, ₹24,450 in cash, and other incriminating items. The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹7.13 lakh.

Preliminary interrogation revealed the accused were involved in several incidents of mobile phone theft from passengers at railway stations and onboard trains. They also confessed to planning a dacoity on passenger trains.

The arrested individuals, along with the recovered items, were handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), Puri. A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
RPF officials stated the arrest marks a crucial step in enhancing passenger safety and underscores the force’s continued commitment to securing railway property and ensuring safe travel.