The Rajdhani robbery: Was it an insider's job?
On the night of August 15-16, several passengers onboard the Mumbai-Delhi August Kranti Rajdhani Express woke up to find their valuables missing. Women said they were likely drugged: how else could someone steal their purse that most kept under their heads? Such a robbery would have to have the help of staff, they alleged. Till now, 14 staff members have been grounded.
One victim emerged, and then many
A victim said she discovered the theft when she woke up at night to go to the toilet. They then found several women's purses missing. Empty purses and cheap cell phones were later recovered near toilets, in dustbins and in the kitchen. Expensive phones, jewelry and about Rs. 15L cash were gone. This happened when the train was near Ratlam (MP), just before Kota.
Most suspect railway staff were involved
Most alleged staff was involved as only they could access the kitchen. Some claimed they were drugged. One said: "I confronted a man who was inspecting our luggage with a torch. He identified himself as railway staff." However, if police had acted promptly, the loot could have been recovered, people said. Reportedly nothing was done at Kota though passengers had already complained.
Does the Railway have any clue what happened?
Twelve FIRs have been filed in the case till now. A special RPF team has been sent to Kota and Ratlam. However, according to Anil Saxena, Railway PRO, "Based on prima facie probe, we can certainly say that no intoxicant spray was used."
