History-sheeter held for stealing cash, valuables worth Rs 34.98 lakh from woman train passenger

Thane, Jun 23 (PTI) A history-sheeter was arrested in a joint operation of the railway police and Crime Branch for allegedly stealing cash and jewellery cumulatively worth Rs 34.98 lakh from an elderly passenger onboard the Indore-Daund Express, an official said on Monday.

Mahesh Ghag alias Vicky was held from Chiplun in Maharashtra's Konkan region for the theft which took place on Thursday night, the official added.

"The woman realised she had been robbed when the train reached Kalyan station on Friday morning. She had placed the bag containing pearl necklaces, diamond-studded bangles, rings, gold watches, chains and cash beneath her pillow. After she approached us, teams of the Kalyan railway police and Mumbai Crime Branch began a probe," he said.

"CCTV camera footage from Kalyan railway station showed a man getting off the train hurriedly and in a suspicious manner. We realised the man was Mahesh Ghag, who has several cases registered against his name at various police stations. On a tip-off, we nabbed him from Chiplun within 12 hours of the crime being committed," the official informed.

The loot has been recovered and further probe into the case is underway, he added. PTI COR BNM