Train Drugging Thief Arrested: Ahmedabad Railway Police Bust Pan-India Robbery Racket

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a major breakthrough exposing a chilling pattern of crimes on Indian trains, the Ahmedabad Western Railway LCB has arrested a serial offender who drugged unsuspecting passengers and looted their valuables across multiple states. The accused, who operated with calculated precision, would befriend co-passengers, spike their food or drinks with sleeping pills, and rob them once they lost consciousness.

“This was not a random crime but a well-planned and repeated modus operandi that endangered passenger safety across the country,” said DYSP Chetan Mundhwa of the Railway Police, highlighting the seriousness of the case.

Identified as Amit Kumar Thakur, a resident of Delhi, the accused has been active since 2022 and is believed to have committed over 25 thefts on long-distance trains. Despite having studied only up to Class 4, Thakur displayed alarming ingenuity. Instead of stealing entire mobile phones, he would remove SIM cards, reset ATM PINs, and withdraw money—leaving minimal digital trace.

According to investigators, Thakur would embark on 15-day journeys, travelling across states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Booking sleeper class tickets, he would specifically target lone passengers. “He would strike up friendly conversations, gain trust, and then offer food or drinks laced with Alprazolam to render victims unconscious,” an officer said.

The arrest came after a meticulous surveillance operation. Acting on multiple complaints, the Railway LCB team led by PI Jaideep Desai analyzed CCTV footage and tracked the suspect to his residence near Anand Vihar in Delhi. Officers camped outside his house for seven days, disguising themselves as labourers and truck drivers before finally nabbing him upon his return.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to using stolen money to fund his continuous travel and crimes. Police recovered ₹2 lakh in cash, three mobile phones, and other valuables from his possession. Officials believe more recoveries and revelations are likely as the investigation progresses.

“This arrest has helped us crack at least 25 pending cases across Gujarat and beyond. However, we suspect the number could be higher,” Mundhwa added.

The case has once again raised serious concerns about passenger safety on long-distance trains. Authorities have issued a strong advisory urging travellers to remain vigilant. “Do not accept food, beverages, or even packaged items from strangers. Such negligence can put your life at risk,” a senior railway officer warned.

Passengers are also encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately via the Railway Helpline number 139.