Over 55,000 Cases of Theft, 1500 Robberies In Trains In 3.5 Yrs: Indian Railways

According to the data collected by Indian Railways, a total of 55,369 cases of theft and 1570 robberies have taken place inside the running trains in the last 3.5 years. This year, between January and June alone, 9,222 cases of theft and 159 cases of robberies were registered, as reported by Money Control.

Moreover, there were 89 instances where the victims were robbed after they had been sedated. Reportedly, the authorities have arrested 1,378 people this year.

Similar Cases in Previous Years

For the year 2017, 18,936 cases of luggage thefts and 415 robberies were reported, with 27 cases of dacoities taking place inside the trains as well. A total of 155 passengers were robbed after they had been sedated.

The police have reportedly arrested 3,898 people in connection with the 2017 cases.

The year 2016 saw 14,619 luggage thefts and 441 robbery cases being reported, along with 218 people being sedated before being robbed. In these cases, there have arrests of a total of 3,331 people.

Similarly, in 2015, 12,592 luggage thefts and 555 robberies and dacoities were registered, with 284 passengers being robbed after they were sedated. The police have arrested 3,151 culprits.

Analysing the data, it is clear that between 2016 and 2017, the robbery and dacoity cases showed a minor dip. However, incidents of theft appeared to have risen marginally. Reportedly, the maximum number of theft cases have been registered from the Central Railways, standing at 3,907, followed by Western Railways with 2,844 cases, Northern Railways with 2,480 cases and Southern Railways with 2,093 cases.

Comparing the data on the robberies that took place in the trains, Northern Railways comes at the top with 81 cases, followed by Western Railways with 68 cases and Central Railways with 54 such cases.

Safety in Indian Railways

According to Railway Ministry officials, the state police is responsible for the safety of 2,200 trains, while 2,500 trains are monitored by the Railway Police (RPF).

Moreover, 394 CCTVs have been installed at different platforms across the country to help the officials maintain a strict vigil, reported the Money Control. In case of an emergency, passengers can dial the helpline number 182 which is now reportedly operational.

The Logical Indian Take

Even as the cases of thefts and robberies seem to be decreasing with every passing year, the number still remains high. Moreover, there are cases prevalent where the victims are sedated before they are robbed. The concerned authorities need to employ better strategies to completely dissuade these culprits from taking advantage of the travellers in the Indian Railways.

Also Read: “He Shouldn’t Be Beaten, But Know What He Did,” Says 58-Yr-Old Who Fought Robber On Train