Elderly Brother and Sister Sedated, Looted of Valuables on Nizamuddin Express
Udupi: Accepting buttermilk from fellow passengers on the Mangala Lakshadweep Nizamuddin Express train proved costly for Udupi Railway Yathrikara Sangha Treasurer Ramachandra Acharya and his sister.
After consuming the buttermilk spiked with sedatives, Ramachandra Acharya 60, of Kinnimulki and Radhamma 75, of Karkala fell unconscious and were looted of valuables.
According to sources Ramachandra Acharya along with his sisters Seema Rao, Radhamma and Tulasi Upadhya had left for Nasik on October 7 for Vaikunta Samaradhana of his brother-in-law and were returning to Udupi on October 11.
Two unknown persons who were travelling in the same bogie befriended Radhamma and Acharya and introduced themselves as cloth merchants from Delhi travelling to Kerala. Ramachandra had offered eatables to the unknown persons on the train. Later, they offered buttermilk to Ramachandra Acharya and Radhamma. “Initially, we declined the offer, but the men insisted that we share their food. After we fell unconscious, they took away all our valuables,” said Acharya,
The men had taken away Rs 15,000 from Acharya’s purse, Rs 15,000 from his pant pocket, Rs 15,000 from Radhamma, two rings, one gold chain, a pair of earrings and new clothes from them.
Ramachandra woke up only when the train reached Kundapur and realised that they were looted by the duo and informed his two other sisters, who were in another compartment of the train.
Radhamma did not wake up until they reached Udupi Railway Station. Later, with the help of two other passengers, the Railway police were informed of the incident. The duo were later admitted to a hospital in Udupi on Friday and were discharged on Saturday.
Do not accept food and drinks from strangers.
In the cities teenagers get duped by date rape which happens because sedatives are mixed in the drink.
Avoid discussing with co passengers any thing. Pretend to be busy or otherwise occupied.
Elderly are easy prey for the tricks.
Warnings should be displayed to educate people.