Six Robbers Snatch Gold Chains After Stopping Circar Express; Suspect Detained
The accused allegedly boarded the train in Nellore and pulled the emergency chain near Appikatla, bringing the train to a halt.
Vijayawada: Government Railway Police (GRP) have detained a suspect for questioning after six unidentified robbers allegedly stopped the Circar Express near Appikatla in Bapatla district and snatched gold chains from two passengers in the early hours of Monday.
According to Guntur GRP DSP P. Akkeswara Rao, the incident occurred at around 1 am on the Chengalpattu–Kakinada Port Circar Express. The accused allegedly boarded the train in Nellore and pulled the emergency chain near Appikatla, bringing the train to a halt.
Police said the robbers snatched one gold chain each from passengers travelling in the S-3 and S-6 coaches. When the victims raised an alarm, an escort constable rushed to the spot, using a torchlight and whistle to alert passengers and confront the suspects.
The accused allegedly jumped off the train and pelted stones at the constable and the train before fleeing under the cover of darkness.
GRP officials said armed railway police personnel reached the spot, located about 600–700 metres from their position, within minutes. During the pursuit, a constable fired 10 rounds from his SLR rifle as the suspects escaped.
Personnel from the GRP, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police conducted a search operation in the area. A suspect has been taken into custody for questioning.
A case has been registered against six accused and further investigation is underway.
