Recent reports of female passengers losing their mangalsutras and jewelry on moving trains have troubled many travelers in Bihar. The Railway Police recently cracked the case by arresting an inter-state gang of women who specifically targeted female passengers in crowded train compartments. Authorities tracked the suspects using CCTV footage after a victim reported a suspicious woman following her at the station.
How the Gang Operated on Trains
The gang mainly operated in crowded railway stations and trains around Danapur, Patna, and Bhagalpur. They used a specific tactic where women members targeted other female travelers to avoid raising any suspicion. Many of these gang members traveled with small children, acting like ordinary families to blend into the general crowd. During the heavy rush of boarding and alighting, they would secretly remove gold chains and mangalsutras. Officials from the Rail Police stated that the stolen items were immediately sent to West Bengal via train to escape local police checks.
Arrests and Recovered Jewellery Details
The Danapur Rail Police and Bhagalpur GRP conducted joint operations to stop these regular thefts. Between mid-February and early March 2026, the police arrested 10 gang members, which included 8 women. The mastermind behind this criminal group was identified as Jugni Pasi and her husband Vijay Pasi. The gang originally belongs to the Santhia area in West Bengal but carries out operations across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Police recovered stolen property worth around ₹25 to ₹30 lakhs from various locations.
- The recovered items include gold chains, diamond rings, mangalsutras, silver lockets, and bracelets.
- In a specific Mokama train case, authorities also seized ₹42,000 in cash from the suspects.
- Raids are continuing across neighboring states to catch the remaining gang members based on recent interrogations.
Safety Guidelines for Passengers During Holi
With the Holi festival approaching, railway stations are experiencing massive passenger crowds. The railway police have issued an alert for people traveling during this busy holiday period. Authorities advise female passengers to avoid keeping jewelry in easily accessible purses or outer bag pockets. If passengers notice any suspicious crowding near train doors, they must report it immediately to the GRP or RPF using the national helpline number 112 or 181.