In the last two months, a significant increase in theft of blankets, bed sheets, pillows, and other items from trains’ air-conditioned coaches has been reported by Government Railway Police (GRP) officials in Bhopal. The stolen goods, amounting to a staggering Rs. 4 lakh in value, have prompted concerns over the security of passengers and railway property.
Bhopal GRP Officials Report Heist from AC coaches of train in the last 2 months
Most incidents have occurred in prominent trains like Bhopal Express, Rewanchal Express, Mahamana Express, and Humsafar Express, all of which have journeys lasting more than 12 hours. The modus operandi often involves passengers, and in some cases, habitual offenders and even AC coach attendants collaborating with thieves.
The stolen items include 1,503 bed sheets valued at Rs. 2.65 lakh, 189 blankets worth Rs. 1.9 lakh, and 326 pillows with a total worth exceeding Rs. 10,000. The thefts extend beyond linens to taps installed in wash basins and train washrooms.
One of the critical factors contributing to the thefts is the limited presence of attendants. With only two attendants assigned to manage 12 coaches in each train, nighttime becomes a vulnerable period when attendants may fall asleep, allowing passengers to easily abscond with bed sheets, pillows, and other essentials provided by the railways.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the thefts are not limited to passengers, as some travelers have been observed folding blankets and placing them in their bags after completing their journeys. AC coach attendants, who are meant to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers, have also been implicated in similar acts, further compromising the security of railway amenities.
Despite the alarming rise in thefts, no arrests have been made recently. The GRP officials are actively investigating these incidents, and heightened security measures are anticipated to curb the thefts and safeguard the amenities provided by the railway department.
