Train Theft Sparks Police Firing
A dramatic incident unfolded aboard the Sarkar Express travelling from Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu to Kakinada Port when a group of thieves allegedly targeted passengers during the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. near the Nallamada railway bridge on the outskirts of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh.
According to railway police, the suspects entered sleeper coaches S-3 and S-6 and stole gold jewellery weighing approximately seven sovereigns from two women who were asleep. Soon after the theft was discovered, the train was brought to a halt after the emergency chain was pulled, alerting railway authorities and passengers.
As the train stopped, the accused reportedly got down and attempted to escape through nearby agricultural fields towards the Bapatla-Guntur road. Railway police personnel on escort duty immediately launched a pursuit. During the chase, officers fired nine rounds in an effort to stop the fleeing suspects, creating a tense situation in the area.
Police believe that at least six individuals were involved in the crime. Following the incident, search operations were intensified in the fields around Appikatla and Battipudi villages. District Superintendent of Police Uma Maheshwara Rao alerted local police teams and directed them to assist in the manhunt. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects involved.
