Nagpur: A shocking case of suspected drugging and robbery has surfaced aboard the AP Express, where a 51-year-old passenger was allegedly rendered unconscious after being offered spiked food by a co-traveller, who then escaped with cash and a mobile phone worth over Rs 5.32 lakh.
The victim, identified as Pappu Jagram Rathore (51), a resident of Morena in Madhya Pradesh, was travelling from Nagpur to Gwalior aboard Train No. 20805 AP Express when the incident occurred.
According to the police, Rathore was carrying Rs 5.17 lakh in cash. A co-passenger, aged around 65, who claimed to be travelling to Jhansi, allegedly struck up a conversation with him after boarding the train at Nagpur.
The elderly man reportedly offered Rathore namkeen, an apple and a laddoo. After consuming the food, Rathore allegedly lost consciousness, giving the suspected robber an opportunity to strike.
Taking advantage of his unconscious condition, the accused allegedly decamped with Rs 5 lakh kept in Rathore’s bag, another Rs 17,000 from his pocket and his mobile phone.
Rathore subsequently regained consciousness and approached the police in Gwalior, where he lodged a complaint. As the incident was linked to a journey originating in Nagpur, the complaint was transferred to the Nagpur Government Railway Police (GRP).
The GRP has registered a case against an unidentified accused and launched an investigation to trace the suspected robber.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of railway passengers to criminals who allegedly use food and other deceptive tactics to rob unsuspecting travellers.
