The Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested within 24 hours a man for a train robbery in which he allegedly manipulated a railway signal to slow down a moving express train to target a passenger. The stolen gold chain was recovered from the accused.

According to the GRP, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when the Nellai Express was between Kattankulathur and Potheri. The train was forced to slow down after the loco pilot was unable to clearly view a signal ahead. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused allegedly boarded the train, snatched a four-sovereign gold chain worth about ₹4.75 lakh from a woman passenger, identified as Asutha from Thoothukudi, and fled the scene.

Following a complaint from the victim, a special team headed by the Egmore Railway Police Deputy Superintendent Kavinna launched an investigation. While inspecting the tracks between Kattankulathur and Potheri, officers discovered a signal that had been obscured with a piece of cloth.

The police subsequently examined CCTV camera footage from railway stations and nearby locations, which helped them trace and identify the suspect. The victim later confirmed the identity of the accused as Kumaresan of Villivakkam. He was later apprehended by the Tambaram Railway Police.

Investigations revealed that Kumaresan was a habitual offender with over six robbery cases pending against him at the Chennai Central, Korukkupet, and Royapuram railway police stations. The police also found that he had previously been detained under the Goondas Act.

During questioning, Kumaresan allegedly admitted that he worked as an autorickshaw driver during the day and engaged in train robberies at night. Investigators said he routinely targeted passengers travelling on trains moving at reduced speeds in areas such as Basin Bridge, Korukkupet, and Royapuram.

Further inquiries revealed that he covered railway signals on at suburban sections with a cloth to force trains to slow down or stop, making it easier for him to commit robberies and escape. Speaking to reporters, Ms. Kavinna said the accused was tracked down and arrested within a day of the complaint being registered. She urged passengers to stay alert during train journeys and promptly inform the GRP about suspicious persons or thefts.