One held for drugging railway passengers

Mumbai: The government railway police’s (GRP) crime branch arrested a man who would drug passengers travelling in outstation trains and rob them of their valuables. The officials said that the accused would strike a chord and give sedated cream biscuit, cold drink or water to the victims. Gold ornaments worth Rs 70,000 have been recovered from the accused.

The accused was identified as Jagdish Sahu (36), who hails from Tikamgad in Madhya Pradesh who would travel frequently to Mumbai and target passengers’ onboard outstation trains. He operated along with his accomplices Dipal Soni (40) and Sahil Khan (35). The officials said that they would carry sedated cream biscuits, cold drink and water.

“He would look for a target wearing valuables or carrying costly electronic goods and strike a chord with them. The accused would then offer them either to eat or drink and after they fell unconscious he would look for an opportunity and flee with their belongings,” said Purshottam Karad, deputy commissioner of police, (GRP).

The police began investigation after one Rajesh Mullya (31) approached the Panvel GRP and lodged a complaint. He stated that a person robbed him while he was travelling from Panvel to Mangalore. They have confessed to have committed at least five similar offences and divided the stolen booty among themselves.

The GRP officials have recovered two gold chains, two gold rings, an LCD television set and electronic item and Rs 5,000 cash from him. A fresh case has been registered against him.