05 December,2017 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj Ojha
They were trying to steal boxes of brass equipment, but an RPF team patrolling in the area, foiled their attempt
Moinuddin Sayyed, who earlier used to work at the Mumbai Port, turned into a crook 17 years back. Over these years, he has not only developed his expertise as a railway thief, but has also managed to pay for his children's higher education with the proceeds of the crime. However, his latest attempt to steal luggage from the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, has landed him behind bars along with four of his associates.
Main accused Moinuddin Sayyed
Modus operandi
According to sources in the Kurla Railway Protection Force (RPF), Sayyed, who already has over 20 cases against him, used to carry the thefts mostly on the Central Railway line. However, he has committed similar crimes on other railway divisions as well. The gang, which had a trained and well-tested approach, would travel as passengers and sneak into the luggage section by breaking locks. Some of the members would throw the bags onto the tracks from the moving train, while the others waiting along the line would collect them. They conducted the thefts on selected routes, mainly those that would be close to approach roads. The gang would steal valuables and then sell them at Crawford Market and the Turbhe wholesale market.
Unsuccessful
A police officer said, "On September 4, the gang tried to steal 220 kg of brass equipment from a sleeper luggage rake of the Kurla LTT-Varanasi Kamayani Express. The CCTV footages recovered from the section showed that the gang members were trying to cart away the boxes dropped from the train. However, they were not successful in their attempts, as an RPF team patrolling in the area spotted them, following which they escaped."
Stolen good recovered
Speaking to mid-day, Suresh Atri, senior inspector, Kurla RPF, said, "In all, we have arrested five accused - Moinuddin Sayyed, Kashimani Tevar, Ramchandra Shetty alias Ganesh, Omkar and Mandar. We have recovered stolen goods worth lakhs from them. Further investigation into the matter is on."
220 kg Total amount of brass equipment they were trying to steal
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