The Central Railway is at loggerheads with the Shot Gang, whose actions they are finding arduous to curb. During the train journeys, passengers often face this gang who cut and stone them at doors or in the middle of two stations. In unfortunate circumstances, not only are these passengers injured but also lose their lives. These thieves often camouflage themselves behind pillars and bushes near tracks and attack passengers with iron or wooden sticks in an attempt to steal their belongings.
Since 2019, 590 crimes have been committed in the Central Railway Mumbai division. Of which, the railway protection force and Lohmarg police have only been able to successfully investigate 50 crimes and arrest 66 people. In 2019, the Mumbai division of Central Railway registered 513 cases against the Shot Gang, with the authorities being able to investigate a mere 40 and nab 50 accused.
The first case against the Shot Gang was registered in October within the Wadala Lohmarg police station, followed by 3 consecutive cases near Tilaknagar and Mankhurd in February’21. Out of the 69 crimes reported in 2020, 8 were successfully investigated and 14 were arrested for 69 offences. Through the months, the number of registered crimes has dwindled due to the travel restrictions in place and the increase in patrolling. Till June’21, 8 cases were registered and 2 were arrested for the two crimes committed.
To tackle this menace, the authorities are collecting information on criminals and families residing in huts near the train tracks. The gangs are said to operate at Wadala, Koparkhairane, Airoli, Rabale, Kalyan, Kopar, Sandhurst Road Station, Dombivali, Thane, Nahur, Kopri Bridge amongst others. Till now, 27 locations of the gang have been identified and manpower has been deployed to address the issue.
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