Railway police arrest serial mobile phone snatcher targeting suburban train passengers
Railway police in Perambur have arrested a 24-year-old serial offender for snatching mobile phones from passengers on suburban trains. The suspect used a stick to knock devices from the hands of commuters near train doors and windows, a method he reportedly used in over 25 criminal cases.
Why it matters
This highlights public safety concerns regarding transit security and the prevalence of opportunistic crime in urban railway systems.
Government Railway Police, Perambur, on Wednesday arrested a 24-year-old habitual offender who allegedly snatched mobile phones from passengers travelling on suburban trains by using a stick to strike the devices from their hands before making away with them.
The accused, identified as Hari Babu of Old Washermanpet, is suspected to have been involved in more than 25 criminal cases. Police said he was linked to a series of mobile phone snatching incidents reported along the suburban railway stretch between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi stations.
According to investigators, Hari Babu lay in wait near the railway tracks and preyed on passengers using their mobile phones while standing near the doors or windows of moving electric trains. He allegedly used a stick to dislodge the phones from their hands, retrieved the fallen devices, and fled the spot before victims could react.
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