Gold worth ₹5.53 crore stolen after Mumbai-based merchant falls asleep on train

A Mumbai-based gold merchant lost jewellery worth over ₹5.53 crore after he dozed off during a train journey from Solapur to Mumbai, prompting a police investigation, officials said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on the intervening night of December 6–7 aboard the Siddheshwar Express . According to the Kalyan Government Railway Police (GRP), the merchant had placed two trolley bags containing 4,456 grams of gold jewellery under his seat and secured them with a chain. While he was asleep, an unidentified thief allegedly broke the chain lock, stole both bags , and fled with the valuables somewhere between Solapur and Kalyan . The loss was discovered when the merchant woke up to find his bags missing.

An offence has been registered under Section 305(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , covering theft in a dwelling house, means of transportation, or place of worship. Senior Inspector Pandhari Kande of the Kalyan GRP said that an FIR has been filed., and a probe is underway. “ No arrest has been made so far. We are examining passenger lists, CCTV footage from major stations, and possible entry-exit points to trace the suspect, ” he said.

The incident has also raised concerns about passenger safety. Experts say travellers may now be more cautious about keeping valuables under seats , using stronger locks , or choosing safer transport options for high-value items during long journeys, especially overnight trips.

This theft underscores the risks faced by passengers on busy trains and the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to safeguard personal belongings.