Thane: 'Fatka' gang members arrested as they hunt for next victim

Following two attacks on rail commuters in a month, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) nabbed two members of a ‘fatka' gang. This happened when the two were looking out for their next victim at the end of Parsik tunnel between Thane and Mumbra. The duo has been identified as Guddu Khan (26) and Imran Khan (26), both residents of Mumbra. They were held on December 1 at around 7.30 pm.

According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, RPF officers who were deployed at Parsik tunnel saw the accused climbing a pole close near the tunnel. They were trying to hit commuters who were standing on the footboard of a local train, which came out of the tunnel on Kalyan-bound fast line.

The Mirror report revealed that Guddu was caught by a constable named Babusha Ingole. He jumped into the Mumbra Creek after him. Imran tried to flee towards Diva, but was also nabbed.

Senior Divisional Security Commissioner of the RPF on CR, Sachin Bhalode told Mumbai Mirror, "Parsik tunnel is an ideal location as the train slows down before it enters the tunnel and again, when it leaves the tunnel, because of a speed restriction. This is when these people attack. We have identified black spots along the suburban section and are monitoring them closely."

The Mumbai Mirror report informed that on November 19, a 24-year-old named Shekar Pandire was traveling in the Matsyagandha Express when was hit on his hand while the train was slowing down in Parsik tunnel. The accused robbed Pandire's mobile after he dropped it.

Another incident took place on November 23 when Aakash Pujari (18) was travelling in Chennai Express. He too was hit, and ended up dropping his phone. Following the incidents, RPF personnel were deployed near Parsik tunnel, the Mirror report further stated.