Frequent thefts plague MP trains, one every 2.5 hours:Over 50 percent victims are women; sleeper, general and AC 3-tier coaches worst affected

Train passengers travelling across major railway sections in Madhya Pradesh are facing frequent thefts, with one incident reported every two-and-a-half hours. Dainik Bhaskar did an analysis of 94 FIRs filed between April 8 and 12, 2026, across railway police stations in Bhopal, Bina, Gwalior, Itarsi, Rani Kamlapati, Vidisha, Khandwa, and Amla, which revealed an alarming trends. Among these, 54% of the victims are women. Sleeper, General, and AC 3-tier coaches are the most affected. Read the full report… Women account for 54% of victims Out of the 94 cases studied: Major theft cases were reported from Rani Kamlapati and Bina stations. Most affected coaches The highest number of thefts occurred in: How the investigation was conducted The data was sourced from the Madhya Pradesh Police e-FIR portal. Each case was examined individually, and the value of stolen items—including mobile phones, laptops, jewellery, and cash—was calculated. The cases were categorised into eight parameters: All trends were cross-checked and verified twice for accuracy. Common theft patterns (modus operandi) 1. Theft during sleep – 60% of cases Passengers were targeted while asleep, often with valuables kept near their heads or left charging nearby. 2. Theft in crowds – 25% of cases Crowded boarding points were exploited by thieves. 3. Snatching incidents – 15% of cases Thieves used sudden force, often when trains slowed down. Victim’s account highlights passenger risks Amol Ramesh Dhabarde, a resident of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, shared his experience after losing his phone between Jhansi and Bhopal. “I bought the phone with great effort. It was stolen during the journey. Do not trust anyone on trains. Take responsibility for your belongings,” he said. He also described being misled by a fraudster who claimed to have found his phone and asked him to collect it at Rani Kamlapati station. Police response and recovery GRP Superintendent Rahul Lodha stated that, compared to previous years, the number of cases has declined. He added that recent recoveries average ₹30–35 lakh every 15 days, calling it a significant achievement despite limited manpower.