Aluva: A gang of six has been arrested by the Railway Police for attacking passengers on a train with poles and robbing them. Those apprehended include Sheffin (18) from Aluva South Vazhakulam, Marampilly K.A. Ashiq (21), Allapra M Siraj (26), Ryons Joswin Eldow (18), Mudikkal Muhammad Fazal (18), and a minor from Perumbavoor.

The train slowed down while crossing the Periyar Bridge near Aluva railway station. The gang was exploiting this opportunity to carry out thefts.

They position themselves between the overbridge and the railway station. When the train arrives, they attack passengers standing near the doors with long poles. They then snatch items that fall from passengers’ hands. If a passenger falls after being struck, the gang raids all their belongings and escapes with the loot.

On Sunday night, a man from Ambalappuzha travelling on the Malabar Express from Ernakulam to Shoranur was attacked by the group. He was injured when he fell. The gang stole a mobile phone worth Rs 75,000, earphones valued at Rs 1,500, and Rs 700 in cash.

Following a complaint filed by the victim, the Ernakulam Railway Police arrested the suspects and recovered the stolen goods from them.