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Robbers strike Rayalaseema Express in Andhra Pradesh, loot passengers

IANS April 29, 2025 215 views

A shocking train robbery unfolded on the Nizamabad-Tirupati Rayalaseema Express in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. Unidentified miscreants targeted passengers in 10 sleeper coaches during an early morning stop, stealing gold ornaments and cash through intimidation. At least 20 passengers filed complaints after reaching their destination, highlighting growing security concerns on Indian railways. Railway police have initiated an investigation, suspecting possible involvement of criminal gangs from Bihar or Chennai.

"Railway police are collecting details of the gold, cash, and other valuables looted" - Unnamed Police Officer"
Amaravati, April 29: Robbers looted passengers of the Nizamabad-Tirupati Rayalaseema Express in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district in the early hours of Tuesday.

Key Points

1

- 20 passengers robbed in 10 sleeper coaches during train stoppage

According to railway police, unidentified miscreants looted passengers aboard Train No. 12794 Nizamabad-Tirupati Rayalaseema Express when it had stopped on the outskirts of Gooty town.

The incident occurred around 1.30 a.m. as the Rayalaseema Express stopped to clear the track for the Shalimar (Kolkata)-Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) Amaravati Express.

The robbers entered 10 sleeper coaches and snatched gold ornaments, cash, and other valuables from passengers after threatening them.

At least 20 passengers lodged a complaint with Tirupati Railway Police after the train reached its destination in the morning.

The incident sent panic among passengers. They reported having lost 20 tola gold ornaments. Railway police were collecting details of the gold, cash, and other valuables looted.

A police officer said they have registered a case and have taken up an investigation.

Voicing concern over the robberies, passengers demanded that railway authorities beef up security to provide them protection.

Similar incidents were reported from various parts of Andhra Pradesh in recent times. Most of these incidents were reported during the night hours. In some cases, robbers targeted passengers of some trains by tampering with railway signals. The robbers often target long-distance trains when they stop at railway crossings during night hours.

On April 2, miscreants had robbed passengers of the Chandigarh-Madurai Express after halting the train by tampering with railway signals between Allur Road and Padugupadu stations in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district.

The robbers had placed rupee coins on the track junction, turning the signal red and forcing the train to stop. According to eye-witnesses, two assailants entered two coaches while two others stood guard outside. They snatched gold chains weighing 12g and 10g from two women and stole Rs 4,000 from another passenger's bag.

Railway police suspect the involvement of robbers possibly linked to Bihar or Chennai gangs.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is terrifying! 😨 I travel on this route often to visit family. Railway security needs to be taken more seriously - especially at night stops. How can passengers feel safe when these incidents keep happening?
R
Rahul S.
The railway police response seems too slow. These gangs are using the same tactics repeatedly - placing coins on tracks? That's not sophisticated. Why aren't there patrols at vulnerable sections?
S
Sunita M.
My heart goes out to the victims. Losing valuables is bad enough, but the trauma of being threatened like that stays with you. Maybe trains should have emergency alert buttons in each coach?
A
Arjun P.
While this is unacceptable, I think we should also be careful about jumping to conclusions about "Bihar or Chennai gangs" without proper evidence. Let's wait for the investigation results.
N
Naveen T.
Traveled on Rayalaseema Express last month. The coaches are clean but security is non-existent after 10pm. Need more RPF personnel or at least CCTV in all coaches. This can't keep happening!
M
Meena R.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included advice for passengers on safety measures while traveling overnight. Like keeping valuables hidden or traveling in groups where possible.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Train Robbery Rayalaseema Express Andhra Pradesh Crime Railway Security Night Theft
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