Underwater Hideout: Thief Breathes Through Lotus Stem to Evade Capture

Top Summary

• What happened: Harvinder Singh, wanted in 500+ train theft cases, was apprehended after hiding underwater for nearly five hours, using a lotus stem to breathe.
• Why it matters: Singh is a major target for Indian Railways, suspected of widespread theft across multiple states. His capture could disrupt organized train theft operations.
• What changes for people: Increased vigilance and potentially safer train journeys as a high-profile thief is taken off the rails.
• Who is affected: Passengers on Indian Railways, specifically those traveling in AC coaches on long-distance routes; Railway Protection Force (RPF); police in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

The Underwater Chase

In a dramatic turn of events, a notorious inter-state thief was apprehended on April 6th at Sihora railway station (Jabalpur division) after attempting an unusual escape.

Harvinder Singh (32), a resident of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, submerged himself in a moss-covered pond for nearly five hours to evade capture by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

His unusual method of survival involved using a hollow lotus stem as a makeshift snorkel to breathe underwater.

The Thief's Modus Operandi

RPF personnel initially became suspicious of Singh when they saw him disembarking from a train and hurrying away from the Sihora railway station around 4:50 AM.

He was also suspected of attempting to steal a woman’s purse inside the train.

Realizing he was being pursued, Singh fled and jumped into the pond, disappearing beneath the surface. The RPF then secured the area and called for divers.

A History of Crime

Singh is suspected of involvement in over 500 train theft cases over the past decade and has more than 21 criminal cases registered against him across multiple states.

 

Rajeev Kumar Yadav, IG, RPF, said, "We are now receiving calls from multiple states enquiring about him. Chennai authorities have also shared his video footage, and we are examining it as part of the investigation."

 

He is wanted in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, and in over a dozen other cases. His criminal reach extends from Kerala to Jammu.

Modus Operandi and Past Arrests

Investigators revealed that Singh's method involved boarding air-conditioned coaches with valid tickets. Once passengers fell asleep, he would steal valuables and pass the loot to associates before disembarking at intermediate stations.

In one instance, he was linked to the theft of a licensed pistol, ammunition, and Rs 1.9 lakh in cash.

He was previously arrested in Andhra Pradesh in 2018 with gold and diamonds but was released on bail and continued his criminal activities.

Capture and Investigation

After a sustained search with the help of local police and divers, Singh was located and pulled from the pond.

Even after being apprehended, he attempted to flee but was caught after a brief struggle. During the struggle, some RPF personnel sustained minor injuries.

Singh was previously a municipal councillor in Haldaur town of Bijnor district in 2017.

RPF registered a case under the Railway Act at Jabalpur and presented him before a court. Acting on an application by GRP Bhopal, the court handed him over for further investigation.

The operation was led by IPF Rajiv Kharb, SI Arvind, and constables Vinay Mourya and Ashish Yadav, under Operation Yatri Suraksha.

What to Watch Next

Authorities will continue to investigate Singh's involvement in numerous unsolved train theft cases across India. Further investigation will focus on identifying his accomplices and recovering stolen property.