2 MLAs enroute Mumbai robbed during train journey in separate incidents
Congress MLA Rahul Bondre (top) and Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Raimulkar (bottom), both from Buldhana, were robbed in separate incidents between Kalyan and Thane railway stations
Two MLAs from Maharastra were robbed of their cash and other belongings in separate incidents between Kalyan and Thane railway stations on Monday.
According to officials, the incidents took place Monday morning when Congress MLA Rahul Bondre and Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Raimulkar were on their way to Mumbai to attend the ongoing monsoon session.
Bondre, an MLA from Chikhli (Buldhana) was travelling from Malkapur in the Vidarbha Express, while Mehkar (Buldhana) MLA Raimulkar had taken a Devagiri Express from Jalna.
In his complaint, Bondre stated that when the Vidarbha Express halted on platform number 5 at Kalyan for some time, an unidentified person entered the AC bogie reserved for MLAs and fled with a purse his wife carried and a file containing documents.
He tried to chase the thief, but the latter managed to escape. The stolen purse contained Rs 51,000 cash and an ATM card.
The second incident involving MLA Raimulkar took place took place on-board Devagiri Express between Kalyan and Thane railway stations when the Shiv Sena leader and his associates were on way to CSMT.
When Railkumar reportedly woke up between Kalyan and Thane, his mobile phone, Rs 10,000 cash and his identity card were missing.
Following the incidents, two separate offences were registered against unidentified persons at Kalyan and CSMT railway police stations. Efforts to trace the perpetrators are underway.
Later, speaking to reporters in the state legislature premises, Bondre said he also informed Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade about the issue.
“The question is whether thieves are having achhe din? It is a serious matter. The incident occurred in the bogie meant for MLAs, which leads to law and order concern. What must be happening with common citizens if this is the case with MLAs?” he asked.
Railkumar also expressed concern over such incidents and narrated his experience.
“When I woke up (in the train) between Kalyan and Thane, my cell phone was missing and there was no money in the pocket of my shirt. The train attendant also had no clue about the incident when I enquired. I made a complaint at the CSMT on arrival,” he added.
