A distressing incident unfolded on the early morning of Sunday, 23rd November, aboard the Dhauli Express (Howrah–Puri) near the Bhogpur station in the Purba Medinipur district, when two men attempted to snatch a woman’s gold chain and handbag and allegedly tried to push her off the moving train.

The victim, 45-year-old Ms Surama (or Sarama) Hazra from Kolkata, who was travelling with her husband, was targeted by the two assailants who had reportedly followed her from her boarding point. During the struggle, they allegedly pushed her; in the process the victim’s right hand was severed. She managed to cling to the handrails and was rescued by local passengers and railway staff.

Local CPR-efforts paid off: villagers and commuters apprehended the two suspects when the train halted near Kolaghat, and handed them to the railway police. The arrested men have been identified as Samsad Mohammad and Mohammad Imran.

The victim was initially shifted to the Railway Hospital in Kharagpur, and subsequently moved to a Kolkata hospital for advanced treatment. Railway authorities say they will cover her medical expenses.

Investigation & official reaction

Police say they are investigating whether the duo are part of a larger snatching gang operating on trains in the region. The incident has triggered alarm among railway officials, given the audacity and violence involved: the act of pushing a passenger from a moving train dramatically elevates the risk level.

Railway authorities have issued an advisory to passengers: remain extremely vigilant, especially in less-crowded compartments, secure valuable items, and report suspicious persons. Additional patrols and CCTV monitoring are being deployed on the Howrah–Puri route.

Significance & concerns

This case underscores the vulnerability of train passengers to violent theft attempts and the importance of community vigilance. It also raises concerns about security lapses in transit spaces, and the need for enhanced preventive measures by railway authorities.