RPF Arrests Suspected Habitual Criminal Wanted in 55 Cases in Delhi
The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Delhi Division, has intensified its drive against criminals operating in and around railway premises under Operation Passenger Safety, leading to the apprehension of a suspected habitual offender wanted in as many as 55 criminal cases registered across Delhi.
The action was carried out on September 8, 2026, by the Theft of Passenger Belongings (TOPB) team of the RPF, Delhi Division. During the operation, the team noticed and apprehended a suspicious person near the railway lines close to Birla Siding, Sabzi Mandi Railway Station.
During questioning, the individual was identified as Saurabh alias Bunty, son of Mukesh, aged 23, and a resident of the Karol Bagh area of Delhi.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Recovered
The RPF team recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max, estimated to be worth around ₹1.50 lakh, from the accused’s possession.
During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly disclosed that the mobile phone had been stolen from the Kirti Nagar area.
Following the recovery, the RPF team immediately informed the concerned Kirti Nagar Police Station. The accused, along with the recovered mobile phone, was subsequently handed over to the local police.
The recovered phone was handed over in sealed condition to the concerned Investigating Officer for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Criminal Record Shows 55 Cases
A subsequent verification of the accused’s criminal record revealed a much wider criminal history.
According to the RPF, 55 criminal cases are registered against the accused at various police stations in Delhi.
The cases reportedly involve allegations under provisions relating to:
| Category | Nature of Cases |
|---|---|
| Theft | Cases involving stealing of property |
| Snatching | Incidents involving theft of belongings from individuals |
| Stolen Property | Possession or handling of allegedly stolen property |
| Robbery | Cases involving robbery-related offences |
| Arms Act | Cases registered under applicable arms legislation |
| IPC/BNS | Offences registered under applicable provisions of criminal law |
The RPF described the accused, based on the available police record, as a habitual and active criminal.
The verification of criminal antecedents played an important role in establishing the extent of the accused’s previous involvement in criminal cases across Delhi.
Coordinated Action Between RPF and Delhi Police
The latest action highlights the role of coordinated policing in preventing theft and other crimes affecting railway passengers.
The RPF’s TOPB teams are tasked with identifying and acting against individuals suspected of involvement in the theft of passengers’ belongings in railway premises and surrounding areas.
In this case, the immediate sharing of information with the Kirti Nagar police enabled the accused and recovered property to be transferred to the concerned investigating agency for further proceedings.
The action has also been appreciated by civil police officials, according to the RPF.
Focus on Passenger Safety
Passenger safety remains a major priority for railway security agencies, particularly at busy railway stations and in areas surrounding railway premises where passengers may be vulnerable to theft, snatching and other crimes.
Mobile phones, wallets, bags and other personal belongings are among the items frequently targeted by offenders in crowded public transport environments.
The RPF’s continuing enforcement efforts are aimed at identifying active criminals, recovering stolen property and disrupting criminal networks operating around railway stations and railway infrastructure.
Officials said swift action against repeat offenders can contribute to reducing incidents of theft of passenger belongings and strengthening the overall security environment at railway stations.
Operation Passenger Safety Continues
The arrest forms part of the ongoing Operation Passenger Safety, under which the RPF is taking action against criminals involved in offences affecting railway passengers.
The recovery of the high-value mobile phone and subsequent verification of the accused’s criminal record demonstrate how routine surveillance and checking can lead to the identification of individuals allegedly involved in multiple offences.
The case has now been handed over to the concerned local police for detailed investigation. Further action will depend on the investigation and applicable legal proceedings.
The RPF’s latest operation also underlines the importance of cooperation between railway security personnel and local police forces in tackling crime in and around railway stations.
With railway stations witnessing heavy passenger movement throughout the day, coordinated surveillance, prompt reporting and verification of suspicious individuals remain important components of passenger security.
The Delhi Division RPF’s action is expected to strengthen efforts to curb theft, snatching and other criminal activities in railway premises and surrounding areas, while helping create a safer environment for passengers travelling through Delhi’s extensive railway network.
