In order to ensure strict action against fatka gang members, the GRP have started booking them under Section 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft) of IPC instead of Section 392 (punishment for robbery), which was the previous norm. On Friday, the Wadala GRP arrested two accused — Rahul Chauhan, 19, and Mushtak Mulla, 20 — involved in three thefts that took place on July 16 and 17 on the Harbour Line and charged them under Section 382.

Rajendra Pal, senior PI, Wadala GRP, said, "Both of them are drug addicts. Whenever they run out of cash, they target commuters at night and rob them of their mobile phones. Later they sell them off at random rates." Police sources said the first theft took place on July 16 when 42-year-old Sajid Khan was travelling to King's Circle station from Masjid area, where he runs a business. According to him, when the train was about to reach its destination, he stood up and moved towards the door. He received a call and started talking on the phone when suddenly someone hit him on his hand with a stick. He dropped the phone and the accused fled with it.