Odisha: Youth nabbed for stealing mobile phones from passengers in moving trains

The accused Binod Behera of Behera Sahi reportedly is the kingpin of a gang which took advantage of the selfie craze among people to commit the crime. 

Cuttack: Cuttack Government Railway Police has arrested a youth today for allegedly stealing and selling mobile phones from passengers in moving trains. As many as 16 mobile phones have been recovered from his possession.

The accused Binod Behera of Behera Sahi reportedly is the kingpin of a gang which took advantage of the selfie craze among people to commit the crime.

Official sources said Behera along with few other youths used to target passengers in moving trains near Khan Nagar Rail Overbridge and Jobra Overbridge. When they saw people clicking selfies in the passing trains, they would attack with a stick. As the cell phones would fall from their hands, these gang members would immediately seize them and flee to later trade those in the market.

During interrogation, Behera claimed that he did not steal but only sold the mobile phones. “I have no role in mobile theft. Two youths Kanha and Hemant who committed the crime used to hand over the stolen phones to me. I only sold those in the market at Rs 2,000-Rs3,000,” Behera was quoted saying.

Addressing mediapersons, Railway DSP Ranjit Nayak said snatching cases were a major concern for the Railways. Among the most targeted items were mobile phones and laptops which is why we drew a blueprint and formed a team. After following clues and tip-offs, we nabbed Behera. The gang’s modus operandi was to target passengers in moving trains by attacking with a stick when they would see anyone talking on their mobile phones,” he informed.

 

Also Read

Comments are closed.