In a coordinated operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway foiled an alleged attempt to carry out a robbery on board the Siddeshwar Express and arrested nine women suspected of planning the crime. The incident took place on April 22, 2026, along the Solapur section.
Suspicious Movement Triggers Alert
According to railway officials, the operation began at Kurduwadi station when a Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS) team on duty noticed three women behaving suspiciously on the platform. The team, led by Head Constable Shivaji Munde, questioned the women about their presence at the station and initially allowed them to leave after issuing a warning.
However, their movements continued to be monitored. The women were later seen boarding the Latur Express, prompting RPF personnel to alert counterparts further along the route and initiate a heightened surveillance protocol.
Suspects Change Trains Midway
Officials said the suspects got off at Jeur station and boarded the Siddeshwar Express, raising concerns about a possible criminal plan targeting passengers on the train. By this point, the RPF had already circulated information, including photographs, to escort teams deployed on the Siddeshwar Express.
Head Constable Harmendra Prasad Meena and Constable Brajesh Yadav, who were part of the escort team, were instructed to keep a close watch on the suspects during the journey.
Arrests Made at Solapur Station
Acting on the intelligence inputs, a team of RPF personnel, including Lady Constable Sonam Pathan, was stationed at Solapur. Upon arrival of the train, the team detained nine women believed to be part of the group. Officials said the accused are aged between 18 and 40 years and are residents of Dharashiv district.
The suspects were later handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Kurduwadi. A case has been registered under Section 310(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which pertains to preparation for committing robbery.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the case, including efforts to verify the criminal background of the accused and determine whether they are linked to previous incidents. Preliminary inputs suggest the group may have been active in both Solapur and Pune railway divisions.
Officials said relevant intelligence has been shared with the Pune division to aid further investigation and prevent similar incidents.
Passenger Vigilance Advised
Railway authorities have urged passengers to remain alert while travelling and to report any suspicious activity to railway staff or through the helpline number 139.
The Central Railway stated that the operation highlights the importance of coordinated efforts and real-time information sharing in ensuring passenger safety across the network.
