A passenger travelling by train during the Holi festival reported the theft of a bag containing jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh at Prayagraj Junction railway station.
According to information, the victim, a father, was returning to Mau after bidding farewell to his daughter in Maharashtra. After sending his daughter to her in-laws’ home, he departed for his home by train carrying jewellery and other valuable items. The bag contained gold and silver ornaments worth approximately Rs 10 lakh, including wedding-related jewellery and family heirlooms.
The victim stated that he had kept the bag near his seat and was monitoring it periodically. Due to the festival, there was heavy crowding in the train, with several passengers boarding and alighting from the coach. It is suspected that a professional theft gang took advantage of the situation and stole the bag. The theft came to light when he checked his belongings upon reaching Prayagraj Junction and found the bag missing.
On receiving information about the incident, Railway Police and the GRP reached the spot. CCTV footage installed in the station premises and on the platforms is being examined. Recordings from the train coach, doors and platform area are being reviewed to identify suspected individuals. Police are also questioning co-passengers to determine whether any suspicious activity was noticed during the journey.
Police stated that trains witness higher passenger volumes during festivals and incidents of theft increase during such periods. Professional gangs exploit minor lapses by passengers to steal valuables. Officials have appealed to passengers to secure their valuables with chains or locks and remain cautious of strangers.
The victim’s family stated that the jewellery was linked to the daughter’s wedding and farewell, making the loss more than financial. The family said the ornaments had been accumulated over years of effort. The GRP has registered a case against unknown thieves and initiated an investigation, stating that efforts are underway to solve the case. The family is awaiting recovery of the jewellery and monitoring police action.
