Bengaluru GRP Demands Enhanced Security After Sedation Robbery at Railway Station
The Government Railway Police (GRP) Bengaluru division has issued a strong call for improved security measures at railway stations. This demand follows a disturbing incident where a passenger was sedated and robbed at the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) earlier this month.
Robbery Details and Swift Police Action
A 21-year-old passenger fell victim to criminals who drugged him on a train. The robbers made off with jewellery and cash valued at approximately Rs 35,000 while the young man lay unconscious. Police investigators sprang into action immediately after the report was filed.
GRP officers tracked down the suspects within five days, making arrests on January 7. Their breakthrough came primarily from reviewing CCTV footage from SMVT station. The video evidence proved crucial in identifying the perpetrators.
CCTV Evidence Leads to Arrests and Recovery
Investigators noticed two suspicious individuals loitering near the Sanghamitra Express train at SMVT station. The victim later identified these men from the station's CCTV recordings, confirming their involvement in the crime.
Police brought both suspects in for questioning where they confessed to the robbery. Authorities recovered stolen items including Rs 2,600 in cash, a gold locket featuring a Hanuman idol, an 18-gram gold chain, and an 8-gram gold ring. Officers also seized two Vivo mobile phones and 23 tablets believed to have been used to sedate passengers.
GRP Calls for Railway Security Upgrades
Sara Fatima, GRP Superintendent of Police for the Bengaluru division, emphasized the need for better security infrastructure. "We have formally requested railway authorities, including the railway board, to enhance security by installing additional CCTV cameras at stations," Fatima stated.
The police superintendent also issued a warning to travelers. "Passengers should never accept food or beverages from strangers and must remain vigilant about their belongings," she advised.
SMVT Station's Security Challenges
SMVT terminus primarily serves long-distance trains and handles significant passenger traffic. South Western Railway data reveals approximately four million passengers use the station annually. This high volume makes security management particularly challenging.
The station has reported multiple robbery cases previously, highlighting ongoing security concerns. Similar incidents have occurred at other railway stations across the region, indicating a broader pattern that requires attention.
GRP officials stress that improved surveillance through comprehensive CCTV coverage represents a critical step toward preventing such crimes. They believe visible security measures will deter potential criminals while providing essential evidence when incidents do occur.
