A 30-year-old man from Rajasthan has been taken into custody by Chennai city police for deceiving unsuspecting commuters and fleeing with their mobile devices at Central railway station. The accused, Ramdayalan Lakhra from Bikaner, reportedly targeted passengers for the past three months, pretending to offer help with online ticket bookings before vanishing with their phones.
The investigation commenced after a complaint from P Amit Koliya, 28, a construction crane operator from Uttarakhand. On May 9, while awaiting a suburban train to Tiruvallur, Amit was approached by Lakhra. Claiming to assist in reserving a ticket, the accused cunningly diverted Amit’s attention and slipped away with his phone.
According to Periamet police, Lakhra frequently stole phones from passengers resting on platforms or duped them under the guise of offering assistance. He was also previously charged in two other theft-related cases.
Following his arrest, Lakhra led the authorities to a mobile shop in Triplicane operated by Noushand Ali, 35, from Kerala. Ali was aware that the devices were unlawfully obtained but still purchased them for resale. Both suspects were brought before a magistrate and have been remanded to judicial custody.
In total, police have reclaimed 22 stolen smartphones and one laptop. Law enforcement is urging the public to stay alert at crowded travel hubs and avoid handing over their phones to strangers.
Read also: