Mumbai: Cop chases pickpocket at Kurla railway station, applauded

Accused Fakir Shaikh and RPF constable Govind Ram

Commuters at Kurla station yesterday witnessed a movie-like scene of a policeman chasing a thief after the accused ran away from custody.

The accused, after being caught red-handed while trying to pick a commuter's pocket, was being escorted to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) station house, when he made the escape, in the process also injuring an on-duty constable who ran after him. The culprit was later caught after a chase of about a half a kilometre; he has been identified as Fakir Ahmad Shaikh (34), a resident of Cheetah Camp in Trombay.

The incident happened during the morning peak hours. Shaikh had been following an office-goer on a crowded platform; trying to take advantage of the rush, he later tried to pick the commuter's wallet but was caught red-handed by the victim. A commotion ensued, resulting in people gathering around the two, which was noticed by two RPF constables at the station. They reached the spot to find out what was going on and decided to take Shaikh to the Kurla RPF station.

One of them held his hand and led him the whole way to stop him from running away, but when they reached platform number 1, Shaikh spotted an exit and pushed the cop away and ran. The policeman started running behind him.

Seeing the constable give him chase, however, unnerved and distracted Shaikh, who ended up banging his head on an iron pole and started bleeding. He also pushed constable Govind Ram, injuring his hand, and tried to escape again. By then, more policemen reached the spot and managed to catch him.

Officer Speak
Senior Inspector of Kurla RPF Suresh Atri said, "During his questioning, the accused confessed that he had previously been arrested by the GRP at Wadala and Dadar for pickpocketing and snatching away mobile phones, respectively. After a preliminary inquiry, a case was registered under sections 153, 156 and 147 of the Railway Act at Kurla RPF station. The accused was produced in the railway court, which sent him to judicial custody till October 10."