Bhubaneswar, July 22 (UDN): A woman was arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Bhubaneswar Railway Station after she was allegedly caught stealing cash and jewellery from a passenger on the station premises.

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The accused was apprehended on Platform No. 1 while allegedly attempting to flee after cutting open a female passenger’s vanity bag and making away with ₹10,000 in cash and a gold chain.

According to GRP officials, police personnel on duty noticed the suspicious activity and immediately intercepted the woman before she could escape. A search of the accused led to the recovery of the stolen cash and jewellery, which were later returned to the victim.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused is a resident of West Bengal. Police suspect she targeted passengers during the rush at the railway station, taking advantage of crowded platforms to commit theft.

A criminal case has been registered, and the accused is being interrogated to ascertain whether she is linked to other thefts reported at railway stations or aboard trains in Odisha.

Investigators are also verifying her criminal antecedents and examining whether she was operating alone or as part of an organised gang involved in railway-related crimes.

Railway police said surveillance has been intensified at major stations across the state to curb incidents of theft targeting passengers. Officials have advised travellers to remain vigilant, keep their belongings secure and immediately report any suspicious activity to railway security personnel.

The latest arrest comes amid continued efforts by railway authorities to strengthen security measures and crack down on repeat offenders operating at busy railway stations.