Did Robbers Target Passengers on the Rayalaseema Express in Andhra Pradesh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Robbers targeted the Rayalaseema Express during a halt.
- Passengers lost significant valuables, including gold and cash.
- Concerns about railway safety are growing among travelers.
- The police are investigating and have registered a case.
- Similar robbery incidents have been reported in the region recently.
Amaravati, April 29 (NationPress) - In the early hours of Tuesday, robbers struck, looting passengers aboard the Nizamabad-Tirupati Rayalaseema Express in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
As per the railway police's report, unknown assailants targeted passengers while the train, designated as Train No. 12794, halted on the outskirts of Gooty town.
This unsettling event unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when the Rayalaseema Express paused to make way for the Shalimar (Kolkata)-Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) Amaravati Express.
The intruders accessed 10 sleeper coaches, aggressively demanding valuables, including gold ornaments and cash, from the frightened passengers.
Upon reaching their destination in the morning, at least 20 passengers reported the incident to the Tirupati Railway Police.
This alarming robbery incited panic among travelers, with reports indicating the loss of up to 20 tola of gold ornaments. The railway police are currently gathering details regarding the stolen items.
A police official confirmed that a case has been recorded, and an investigation is underway.
Passengers have expressed their concerns regarding safety, urging railway authorities to enhance security measures for their protection.
In recent times, similar robbery incidents have been reported across various regions in Andhra Pradesh, particularly during the night hours. Some robbers have been known to tamper with railway signals to execute their plans. Such criminals tend to target long-distance trains as they halt at crossings during the night.
On April 2, for instance, a group of criminals robbed passengers on the Chandigarh-Madurai Express after halting the train by sabotaging the signals between Allur Road and Padugupadu stations in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district.
These robbers placed rupee coins on track junctions to turn the signals red, compelling the train to stop. Eyewitness accounts revealed that two assailants entered two coaches while their accomplices kept watch outside. They reportedly snatched gold chains weighing 12g and 10g from two women, in addition to stealing Rs 4,000 from a passenger's bag.
The railway police suspect that the culprits may be linked to criminal gangs from Bihar or Chennai.