In a shocking case of alleged misconduct within the railway police force, four jawans posted at the Gaya Government Railway Police (GRP) station have been suspended. Their suspension follows accusations of their direct involvement in the brazen loot of one kilogram of gold biscuits, valued at approximately Rs 1.44 crore, from an employee of a bullion trader.
The Incident: A Train Journey Turns into a Nightmare
The robbery took place on November 20 near the Koderma railway station, located on the Gaya–Dhanbad rail section. According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Malipanchghora police station in West Bengal's Howrah district, bullion trader Manoj Soni had entrusted his staff member, Dhananjay Shashwat, with delivering the consignment of gold to Jaipur.
Shashwat was travelling on the Howrah–Jodhpur Express when the incident occurred. Sources state that near Koderma, four men, who are now alleged to be the suspended Gaya GRP jawans, approached him. They questioned Shashwat about the bag he was carrying and insisted on searching it under the guise of an official check.
Upon discovering the gold biscuits, the men allegedly snatched the bag and threatened Shashwat. They compelled him to disembark at Gaya Junction and return to Howrah, effectively silencing him temporarily.
Investigation and Fallout: SIT Uncovers Evidence
After returning to Howrah, Shashwat reported the entire episode to his employer, Manoj Soni, who subsequently filed the formal police complaint on November 29. A zero FIR was registered at the Gaya GRP station, prompting senior officials to take swift action.
Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP), Patna, Inamul Haque constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the serious allegations. The SIT, led by a deputy superintendent of police, delved into the case and reportedly found concrete evidence pointing to the involvement of the four jawans.
Based on the SIT's findings, the four personnel were promptly suspended. Furthermore, the investigation has now put the Gaya GRP Station House Officer (SHO) under scrutiny, indicating that the probe may widen to examine supervisory failures. SRP Haque visited the Gaya GRP station on Monday to personally review the progress of the investigation.
Accountability and Next Steps
This case has raised significant concerns about integrity and accountability within the railway security apparatus. The suspension of the jawans is a direct administrative consequence of the preliminary evidence gathered by the SIT. However, the judicial process is yet to unfold fully.
Attempts to contact the SRP Patna and the Gaya GRP SHO for their official comments on the latest developments were unsuccessful, as calls to their official numbers remained unanswered. The case continues to be actively investigated, with the SIT working to piece together the complete sequence of events and identify any other individuals who may have been involved or complicit.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of passengers and high-value goods on the rail network and highlights the critical need for rigorous internal oversight within security forces. The public and the victim await a swift and transparent legal resolution to this audacious crime.
