Russian Tourist’s Phone Theft Traced with Modern Technology, Thanks to Indian Railways’ GRP and RPF

In a remarkable case of swift action and modern technology, Indian Railways’ Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) have successfully traced a stolen phone belonging to Russian tourist Nina Nikonorova. The incident occurred on the Gaya-Kamakhya Express on August 17, 2024, and has since highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in addressing crime on trains.

Nina was recording videos of the picturesque scenery over the River Falgu in Bihar when her phone was snatched by an assailant wielding a stick. Shocked by the theft, she promptly reported the incident to the GRP at multiple railway stations, including Gaya and Sheikhpura. Her complaint was officially registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Following her report, GRP and RPF officials launched an immediate investigation, leading to the apprehension of two suspects, Pintu Kumar and Sajan Kumar, who were found in possession of three stolen phones. However, Nina’s phone remained missing. The suspects disclosed that it was in the hands of Sahil Paswan, a resident of Manpur, Bihar, who allegedly attacked Nina.

Although Nina returned to Russia after her trip, the case took an unexpected turn in October when she received an iCloud notification indicating that her stolen phone had become active in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She swiftly communicated this information to the GRP and RPF, providing the latest location of her device.

This critical information prompted the Nagpur team to act quickly, using the location data to trace the stolen phone back to Sahil Paswan. Ongoing efforts, including coordinated raids in Gaya and nearby areas, aim to apprehend Paswan and recover the phone.

The collaboration between Nina, the GRP, and RPF, alongside the use of modern tracking technology, has proven vital in solving this case and showcases the effectiveness of rail safety measures.