Patna: Tamil Nadu Police have arrested the son of a municipal councillor from Patna in connection with the alleged theft of jewellery worth around ₹3 crore from an air-conditioned coach of a train at Chennai Central. The accused, identified as Rajan Kumar, was arrested from Govindpur in a joint operation by Tamil Nadu Police and Fatuha Police. Investigators have recovered 40 grams of gold allegedly obtained from the stolen jewellery, which Rajan is accused of selling in Patna City for ₹4 lakh.
The theft took place on July 24, when a businessman travelling in an AC coach allegedly lost a bag containing jewellery worth around ₹3 crore. Following the complaint, Chennai Central Railway Police registered Case No. 158/26 and launched an investigation. CCTV footage and technical analysis were reportedly used to identify the suspects. During the investigation, police allegedly found that one of the persons linked to the incident was from Patna.
Tamil Nadu Police team reaches Patna
After identifying the Patna connection, a four-member Tamil Nadu Police team led by sub-inspector Sivagurunathan travelled to the city. The team coordinated with Fatuha Police and began searching for the suspect.
Rajan Kumar was subsequently traced to Govindpur and arrested. According to investigators, questioning revealed that he had allegedly disposed of part of the stolen jewellery after the Chennai theft. Police said around 40 grams of gold was sold in Patna City for ₹4 lakh. The money and gold-related evidence were subsequently recovered from his residence.
Rajan is the son of a councillor from Ward 9 of Fatuha Municipal Council. His arrest has brought additional attention to his earlier involvement in a separate financial irregularity case linked to gold loans.
Police searching for alleged jewellery buyer
Following Rajan’s arrest, investigators have shifted their focus to the person who allegedly purchased the stolen gold in Patna City. Police teams are conducting searches to identify and locate the alleged buyer and determine whether the purchaser was aware that the jewellery had been stolen.
Investigators are also attempting to establish the complete chain through which the jewellery was allegedly moved from Chennai to Bihar and subsequently sold. The recovered gold and financial transactions are expected to form an important part of the investigation.
Rajan is likely to be taken to Chennai on transit remand by the Tamil Nadu Police for further interrogation. Investigators are also examining his previous criminal and financial records to determine whether he has been involved in similar offences.
Earlier named in ₹61.5 lakh gold-loan fraud case
The investigation has also brought an earlier banking case involving Rajan Kumar back into focus. Around two years ago, an alleged irregularity involving gold loans worth approximately ₹62 lakh was reported at the Bank of India branch on Fatuha Station Road.
According to the earlier investigation, Rajan, who operated Rajan Jewellers in Govindpur, had previously been appointed as a bank valuer. Investigators alleged that he misused the position by carrying out incorrect valuations and presenting allegedly fake gold as genuine.
Based on the alleged irregularities, loans totalling around ₹61.5 lakh were reportedly sanctioned in the accounts of several borrowers. The matter came to light during an internal examination of the transactions.
Following the investigation, bank manager Pritam Kumar lodged a case at Fatuha police station against Rajan and 12 loan borrowers. The allegations in that case are separate from the Chennai jewellery theft investigation and will be established through the respective legal proceedings.
Investigation now focused on wider network
Police are now examining whether Rajan acted alone in the Chennai theft or was part of a larger group involved in targeting passengers carrying valuable jewellery. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, travel details, mobile records and other technical evidence to identify other suspects.
The police are also tracing the movement of the stolen jewellery and money after the theft. The recovery of 40 grams of gold is being treated as an important lead in establishing the alleged disposal chain.
The Chennai Central Railway Police investigation will determine the full extent of the stolen property, the number of people involved and the route through which the jewellery reached Bihar. Further arrests are possible if investigators identify other members of the alleged network or individuals involved in purchasing the stolen property.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
