22 July, 2025, Takana times, Dehradun.
Jaipur, July 22, 2025 – A brazen theft aboard the Yoga Express (Train No. 19032) in the First AC (HA1) coach at Jaipur Junction has raised serious questions about passenger safety and the apparent inaction of Indian Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Lieutenant Colonel Himanshu Chaudhary, an army officer traveling with his wife and small baby, reported the theft of a jewelry box from their latched cabin (PNR No. 2717384297) on July 22, 2025, while the train was stationed at Jaipur. Despite prompt reporting to the RPF, no updates or progress on the investigation have been provided to the officer, highlighting concerns over the railway authorities’ response to serious onboard crimes.
Lieutenant Colonel Chaudhary recounted the distressing incident, stating that the thief managed to bypass the latched door of their HA1 cabin, stealing valuable jewelry while the family slept. “We were inside, sleeping with the door latched. The thief somehow opened it from outside and took the jewelry box,” he said in a direct appeal to the Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia). Despite immediately informing the RPF at Jaipur station, the officer has received no communication regarding the status of the investigation or recovery efforts, leaving the family in distress and without resolution. “A little indulgence from your end is requested,” Chaudhary urged, emphasizing his hope for recovery and accountability.
The lack of response from Indian Railways and the RPF is particularly alarming given the premium status of the First AC coach, which is expected to offer enhanced security. The incident underscores a broader issue of inadequate safety measures during station halts, where trains are vulnerable to unauthorized access. Despite the RPF’s mandate to protect passengers and railway property, as outlined on their official website, no visible action has been reported in this case, fueling concerns about the force’s effectiveness in addressing passenger complaints. In 2024, the RPF arrested 5,787 individuals for thefts and recovered goods worth over ₹8 crores under Operation Rail Suraksha, yet high-profile cases like this appear to receive little attention or follow-up.
Lieutenant Colonel Chaudhary’s appeal, tagged with #RailwaySafety and #JaiHind, highlights the urgency of addressing onboard security lapses, especially for vulnerable passengers like families with infants. The absence of any updates from the RPF or railway authorities has left the army officer and his family feeling neglected, raising questions about accountability and transparency in handling such incidents. The Yoga Express, a daily mail/express train operated by Western Railway, covers 1,224 km with modern LHB coaches, yet this incident exposes gaps in ensuring passenger safety at key stations like Jaipur.
The railway authorities have not issued a public statement on the theft, nor have they provided Lieutenant Colonel Chaudhary with any information on the investigation’s progress, despite the incident occurring in a secure coach. This inaction has drawn criticism, with passengers and observers calling for stricter security protocols, including better surveillance and door-locking mechanisms in AC coaches. The lack of response is particularly stark given Indian Railways’ claims of prioritizing passenger safety and the RPF’s extensive operations to curb crime.
As the investigation stalls, Lieutenant Colonel Chaudhary and his family await justice, with no clarity on whether the stolen jewelry will be recovered. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by passengers relying on Indian Railways for safe travel, particularly when authorities fail to act swiftly or communicate effectively.
