02 June,2026 10:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A case was registered at Kalyan Railway Police Station (Crime No. 1476/2025) under the relevant Section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Representational Pic
In a breakthrough, the Mumbai Railway Crime Branch has arrested four members of an inter-state gang involved in the theft of gold jewellery worth Rs 1,62,27,500 from a sleeping passenger aboard the Siddheshwar Express.
The incident took place between December 6 and 7, 2025, when complainant Abhaykumar Madanlal Jain (52), a gold jewellery trader from Goregaon East, was travelling from Solapur to Kalyan in Coach No. A-1 of Train No. 12116 (Siddheshwar Express).
According to officials, the accused allegedly took advantage of the passenger being asleep and stole one of his two trolley bags, which contained gold ornaments, while it was kept chained under his seat.
A case was registered at Kalyan Railway Police Station (Crime No. 1476/2025) under the relevant Section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Acting on instructions from senior railway police officials, the Crime Branch launched a detailed investigation led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Khedkar. Teams analysed CCTV footage from multiple railway stations between Solapur and Kalyan, as well as from the Solapur Saraf Market, to track the suspects.
The probe revealed the involvement of a 10-member gang from Mhada in Solapur district.
After months of technical surveillance and coordinated efforts, police arrested four accused identified as Ramesh Balu Dikole, Fulchand alias Parmeshwar alias Sarpanch Chhagan Gunjal, Dhanraj alias Dhananjay alias Dhanya Sahebrao Gunjal, and Punekar alias Shivanya Sitaram Dikole.
Officials said the stolen gold was later recovered in multiple seizures, including three gold bars weighing a total of 1,098.5 grams. The recovered gold has been valued at Rs 1,62,27,500.
Authorities said the operation was carried out under the guidance of senior police officers with coordinated support from Crime Branch teams and local police from Solapur and Thane.
Railway police have urged passengers to remain cautious and ensure proper security of valuables while travelling, especially on long-distance trains.
The case highlights the role of sustained technical surveillance and field investigation in cracking organised theft networks operating on trains.
