The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railway recovered a lost bag containing valuables worth approximately Rs. 16 lakh at Bandra Terminus and returned it to the rightful owner, Shailesh Gane nash Mali, a resident of Colaba. The recovery was made by On-Duty Sub Inspector Yogesh Kumar Jani and Constable Hanuman Prasad Chaudhary on 16th February 2025, after the bag was found unattended on Train No. 12479, the Jodhpur–Bandra Terminus Suryanagari Superfast Express.
According to WR, bag discovered under a seat in an AC coach, contained a mobile phone, children's clothing, and an assortment of gold jewelry, including a mangalsutra, bangles, armlets, earrings, a ring, and a nose pin, all valued at Rs. 15.83 lakh. The bag was immediately brought to the RPF post at Bandra Terminus, where it was opened and its contents were documented in the presence of other staff members.
"After conducting a thorough check and informing the appropriate RPF officials, the team learned that the bag belonged to Shailesh Ganesh Mali, a resident of Colaba. Mali had traveled from Jodhpur to Bandra Terminus on the same train with his two children but realized upon reaching home that one of his bags was missing. He then contacted the railway helpline, 139, and reported the incident," said an official of WR.
"Upon his arrival at the RPF post, Mali was able to identify the bag, which was then opened in his presence. He confirmed the presence of his missing valuables, including the gold jewelry and mobile phone, which had been safely stored by the RPF personnel," the official added.
Expressing his gratitude for the swift action taken by the RPF team, Shailesh Ganesh Mali thanked the Bandra Terminus RPF and the railway helpline for their exceptional service in returning his valuable belongings.
"The incident highlights the commitment and professionalism of the RPF in safeguarding passengers' belongings and providing exemplary service to the public," a senior officer of WR said.
