The Government Railway Police (GRP) have arrested a police constable following a failed bid to steal a woman passenger’s bag on a moving train early on Sunday. The accused was identified as A. Vasantha Kumar, 33, was attached as a driver to the Otteri police station.

On Sunday, he boarded the Kaveri Express without a ticket. When the train was between the Thirumullaivoyal and Ambattur stations, he entered one of the reserved coaches and saw A. Renuka, 30, asleep. He allegedly attempted to take her handbag. Renuka, who was holding the bag’s straps, woke up when Vasantha Kumar took it from her. When she attempted to retrieve the bag, Vasantha Kumar threw it off the train. Renuka immediately pulled the emergency chain. She then informed a guard, who detained Vasantha Kumar. She then retrieved her bag, which contained gold jewellery worth ₹6 lakh.

Based on her complaint, the GRP arrested Vasantha Kumar.