Two individuals were arrested for allegedly stealing mobile phones from North Indian travelers at Chennai Central Railway Station, posing as ticket booking assistants. The arrests, made on October 13, highlight a growing concern over scams targeting unsuspecting passengers.
According to police reports, Birbal, a 23-year-old from Jharkhand, was at the railway station with a friend, preparing to board a train back to his hometown for the Deepavali festival. While waiting, they were approached by two strangers who spoke Hindi. The duo offered to help book their tickets but requested Birbal’s mobile phone and UPI credentials in the process. Taking advantage of the situation, they fled after gaining access to Birbal’s phone.
In a significant breach of trust, the suspects later transferred ₹48,000 from Birbal’s bank account using his UPI app, complicating his efforts to enjoy his holiday. Following this incident, Birbal promptly reported the theft, prompting the Chetpet police to initiate an investigation.
The inquiry quickly led to the apprehension of the suspects, identified as Rajkumar Ram, 24, and Dinesh Kumar Mukhiya, 21, both from Bihar. They were arrested near the Egmore railway station. Further investigation revealed that after committing the theft at Chennai Central, the duo fled to Andhra Pradesh, where they continued their spree by targeting passengers sleeping at various railway stations. Police recovered a total of 18 stolen mobile phones, including the one belonging to Birbal.
This incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers travelers may face in crowded transportation hubs. Authorities continue to urge vigilance, especially when approached by strangers offering unsolicited assistance. As scams become increasingly sophisticated, passengers are encouraged to protect their personal information and verify the identities of individuals before sharing sensitive data.
The recent arrests not only bring some closure to the victims but also serve as a warning to others about the importance of safeguarding their belongings while traveling. With the festive season underway, it’s crucial for passengers to remain alert and informed to avoid becoming victims of opportunistic criminals.
As the investigation unfolds, the police are determined to ensure that similar crimes are prevented in the future. They urge anyone who might have fallen victim to similar schemes to report the incidents immediately.
This episode emphasizes the need for better awareness among travelers and stronger measures to combat fraud within public transport systems. Authorities in Chennai remain committed to enhancing security and safeguarding the well-being of passengers as they navigate busy travel periods.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/two-held-for-duping-youth-of-money-at-central-railway-station/article70193513.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-10-24 00:38:00
