MUMBAI: Railway police data shows that the Kurla GRP post, which also covers Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), reported the highest number of property crimes as well as sexual offences in five years . Passengers travelling out of town from the terminus continue to remain vulnerable as seen in a recent case where two teenagers allegedly mugged and killed a UP farmer near LTT on March 18.Between 2013 and 2017, over 4,800 thefts, 270 robberies and 47 molestation cases were reported at the Kurla GRP post, which covers stations from Kurla to Mulund on Central Railway. The data was accessed by non-profit Praja Foundation through the Right to Information Act and was released earlier this month."Long-distance passengers tend to carry more valuables, such as gold or currencies, as compared to local commuters. Offenders are more active here, there are organised gangs," said a police officer.A fortnight ago, the RPF arrested two men, Sanjay Patel and Arvind Prasad, for drugging and looting at least 12 outstation travellers. The two would befriend labourers over tea and biscuits. In July 2018, an NRI woman, on her way to Kerala from LTT, was looted of jewellery, passport and foreign currency valued at Rs 13 lakh by two members of a 'tak tak' gang. One of the accused had distracted the woman by pretending that her money had fallen on the floor.Investigating agencies say repeat offenders strike at Kurla, particularly to steal mobiles. For instance, 27-year-old Farid Bilal Shaikh has been caught three times by the RPF in two years. "Most of these offenders are hooked to drugs. To avoid arrest, they attempt to harm the police or injure themselves. Mohammad Shahid, a repeat offender, had thrown excreta on our jawan in a bid to escape," said an RPF officer. Experts believe that cracking down on places which provide drugs could address the problem. "The court has to be appraised about repeat offenders so that punishment can be enhanced. Most importantly, the kingpins who arrange for the loot to be sold need to be hunted down," said a former IPS officer. "We have revamped our detection team and are taking efforts to bring down property offences," said senior inspector N Inamdar, Kurla GRP.

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