Prayagraj Railway Police Bust Train Phone-Snatching Gang; Two Arrested, Devices Worth ₹75,000 Recovered
Prayagraj Government Railway Police arrested Pradeep Kushwaha and Naresh Singh Gaud near the railway junction on May 10 in a crackdown on a train-based phone-snatching gang. Five stolen phones worth ₹75,000 were recovered, linking the accused to multiple theft cases across Naini and Chheoki stations and broader investigations resolving nine incidents.
According to official information, the accused were linked to at least five theft cases registered at Naini and Chheoki railway stations. Investigators stated that the duo systematically targeted lone passengers seated near train windows, exploiting moments of vulnerability to steal mobile phones during transit. Following their arrest, law enforcement recovered five stolen mobile phones, collectively valued at ₹75,000.
Further investigation revealed that the arrests are connected to broader enforcement efforts that have collectively resolved nine theft cases, indicating a wider pattern of coordinated criminal activity across the railway network.
A post-arrest video released from the scene showed officers presenting the handcuffed accused while holding recovered phone boxes. The footage quickly circulated, drawing public attention and approval for the operation. However, it also generated social media commentary and memes, including comparisons to the “Subway Surfers cop” trend, referencing the appearance of one officer in the video.
Local journalist Piyush Rai described the group as operating in a highly organized manner, stating that the gang had turned routine train journeys into distressing experiences for passengers through repeated theft incidents.
Authorities emphasized that the arrests represent a significant step in improving passenger safety and strengthening surveillance against organized theft networks operating within the railway system.
The operation underscores continued efforts by railway law enforcement to curb mobile phone snatching rackets and restore security confidence among daily commuters.

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