Mangaluru: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized 201 used mobile phones worth approximately ₹10.05 lakh during a special surveillance drive at Mangaluru Junction Railway Station ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections 2026.
The phones were discovered during an inspection of the Jamnagar–Tirunelveli Junction Express while the train was stationed at the platform. Railway authorities said the operation was part of heightened monitoring to prevent the illegal transportation of cash, gold, and other valuables through trains during the election period.
Phones found in unattended bags
According to railway officials, the seizure took place on Train No. 19578 Jamnagar–Tirunelveli Junction Express during a routine check conducted at Platform No. 3 of Mangaluru Junction Railway Station.
While inspecting the general coach of the train, RPF personnel noticed three unattended bags placed on the upper luggage rack. Finding the bags suspicious, the officers opened them for verification.
Upon examination, the bags were found to contain 201 used mobile phones of various brands. The total value of the recovered devices has been estimated at approximately ₹10.05 lakh.
Officials said the presence of such a large number of phones in unattended luggage raised suspicion of illegal transportation.
Seizure carried out following legal procedure
The checking operation was conducted by RPF head constable Sujeesh and constable Ramakrishna, who were on duty at the time.
After discovering the mobile phones, the RPF team seized the items under a formal seizure mahazar in the presence of two independent witnesses, following due legal procedure.
Railway authorities confirmed that all required documentation was completed during the seizure to ensure transparency and adherence to legal norms.
CCTV footage reveals suspected persons
During the subsequent investigation, officials examined the body-worn camera footage recorded by the RPF personnel who conducted the inspection.
According to railway authorities, the footage showed two individuals present in the coach around the time the unattended bags were discovered.
Based on this observation, officials suspect that the two persons may have been connected to the bags containing the mobile phones.
However, the identities of the suspects have not yet been confirmed.
Efforts underway to trace suspects
Authorities said efforts are currently underway to identify and locate the suspected individuals. The RPF has coordinated with the Crime Intelligence Branch and the Divisional Crime Prevention and Detection Squad as part of the investigation.
The information related to the seizure has also been shared with the Government Railway Police (GRP), which will conduct further inquiries and take appropriate legal action regarding the seized items.
Officials said investigators are examining whether the phones were being transported illegally for resale or other purposes.
Heightened railway surveillance ahead of elections
Railway authorities stated that special monitoring operations have been intensified across railway stations and trains as part of precautionary measures ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.
Security agencies often conduct such drives during election periods to prevent the illegal transportation of cash, gold, electronic devices, and other valuables that may be linked to unlawful activities.
Officials emphasised that strict checks will continue in trains passing through key railway stations to ensure that the railway network is not misused for illegal activities.
Vigilance measures to continue
Railway authorities reiterated that passengers are advised to keep their belongings with them and report any suspicious or unattended items to railway staff immediately.
The RPF and GRP are expected to continue joint surveillance and inspection drives in the coming weeks as part of broader election-related security measures.
Further investigation into the seizure at Mangaluru Junction Railway Station is currently underway.