This blog post details the infamous 2016 train robbery in India, where a gang led by Mohar Singh executed a meticulously planned heist, stealing 342 crores from the RBI. The investigation took 730 days, involving multiple police teams and even NASA's assistance, ultimately leading to the arrest of the gang members and the revelation of their fate post-demonetization.
In 2016, India witnessed one of its most audacious train robberies, a case that would take law enforcement nearly two years to solve. This blog post delves into the details of the robbery, the criminals involved, and the extensive investigation that followed.
The story begins in Madhya Pradesh, specifically in the village of Khejra, where a notorious criminal named Mohar Singh led a gang known as the "Paradi Gang." This gang was notorious for committing crimes across various states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and more. Their criminal activities included extortion and violent crimes.
In 2006, members of this gang were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir for the brutal murder of five family members. After serving their time, they returned to Madhya Pradesh, where they continued their criminal activities. By 2016, the police had been investigating them for a decade, but the gang managed to evade capture.
As the police closed in, Mohar Singh and his gang fled to Tamil Nadu, approximately 1800 kilometers away, to execute a grand plan. They discovered that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) transported large sums of money via the Salem-Chennai Egmore Express. This information was crucial, and it is suspected that an insider from either the bank or the railway provided it.
From July to August 2016, the gang conducted reconnaissance on the train's route, noting its schedule and the fact that it switched from electric to diesel engines between Chinna Salem and Vridachalam, a 45-minute stretch that would provide them with the cover of darkness to execute their plan.
On August 8, 2016, the gang was ready. The Salem-Chennai Egmore Express, carrying 342 crores in cash, departed at 9:05 PM. The money was packed in wooden boxes, with two compartments reserved for the RBI. Despite the presence of 18 security guards, the gang executed their plan flawlessly.
As the train slowed down near the Vyalur Over Bridge, four gang members climbed onto the parcel van, cutting a two-foot hole in the roof. Two members entered the van, broke open several boxes, and stole approximately 5.78 crores in cash. They then passed the bags to their accomplices waiting on the bridge, who quickly fled the scene.
The train arrived at Vridachalam at 4:00 AM the next day, unaware of the heist that had just occurred. It wasn't until RBI officials checked the compartments that the theft was discovered. The news sent shockwaves through the railway and banking systems, prompting an immediate investigation.
Initially, the investigation was led by the Government Railway Police (GRP), but as leads dried up, the case was handed over to the Crime Branch CID. Over the next two years, they interviewed over 1,000 individuals, including railway staff and catering personnel, but found little evidence.
In a breakthrough, the CID sought assistance from NASA to obtain satellite images of the train's route on the night of the robbery. This led to the identification of suspicious calls made from Madhya Pradesh around the time of the heist.
After 730 days of investigation, on October 12, 2018, two gang members, Dinesh and Rohan Paradi, were arrested. They confessed to their involvement in the robbery and revealed that the stolen money had been disposed of or destroyed following the demonetization announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2016.
In subsequent months, more gang members were apprehended, including Mohar Singh himself, who was arrested along with his close associates.
The story of India's biggest train robbery is a testament to the lengths criminals will go to and the complexities of law enforcement in tackling such cases. It highlights the importance of security measures and the potential for insider information to compromise even the most secure operations. The investigation not only showcased the determination of the police but also the challenges they faced in solving a crime of this magnitude.
This case serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of crime and the necessity for vigilance in safeguarding public assets.
