Robbery on Saraighat Express

Statesman News Service

MALDA , Aug 2: A group of armed robbers looted four coaches of Down Saraighaat Express today at Magurjan, near Kishanganj in Bihar, injuring several passengers in the process. When the driver stopped the train finding the signal red, the robbers snatched valuables such as cell phones, gold chains and cash from several passengers through windows, railway officials said. Within 10 minutes, the robbers attacked passengers of four coaches of S-10, S-6, S-4 and another one, police said based on the complaints from the victims. The incident took place near Magurjan cabin towards Kishanganj railway station, between 1.50 am to 2.00 am, Malda GRP and Railway officials said. Mrs Dipali Baishya was seriously wounded when she prevented the robbers from snatching her ornaments. Her left hand was fractured and she has been admitted to the Malda railway hospital. Mr Jayanta Baishya, husband of Mrs Dipali Baishya, Mr Chinmoy Patel and Ms Mandira Saha and others lodged their complaints with the Malda government railway police station. Mr and Mrs Baishya were in coach no S-10, coming from Guhawati on their way to Nagpur, but they had to break journey at Malda town station for treatment. Mr A Mishra, a sub-inspector with Malda GRP, said: the robbers could not snatch valuables from Mrs Dipali but they snatched valuables from Mr Patel, Ms Mandira and other passengers. “Failing to snatch my ornaments, robbers tried to kill me,” Mrs Bishya said. It was alleged that the Kishanganj GRP refused to accept complaints from the passengers. Lastly, a group of passengers lodged an FIR at Malda town station. Mr Chinmoy Patel and Ms Mandira Saha were travelling in coach no S-6 and S-4 respectively. A few weeks ago, the Down Darjeeling Mail was looted in Malda. Police officials suspect that the anti-socials tampered with the signaling system to stop the train.