IN A significant breakthrough in the Saif Ali Khan attack case, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg, Chhattisgarh, detained 31-year-old Aakash Kailash Kanojia from the Jnaneswari Express, following specific intelligence from Mumbai Police. The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated operation led by RPF officers, and his identity was confirmed through a video call with Mumbai Police officials. Sanjeev Sinha, RPF Inspector in Durg, stated, “We received critical information from the Juhu Police Station, Mumbai, about a suspect traveling on Jnaneswari Express.

 

The suspect’s photograph and tower location were shared with us, indicating he was between Rajnandgaon and Gondia stations. Recognizing the sensitivity of the case, our team conducted a detailed check of the train and apprehended him upon his arrival at Durg.” Meanwhile, A twomember team from Bandra’s Zone 9 police division, comprising Sub-Inspectors Pradeep Funde and Yogesh Narle, arrived in Raipur on Saturday and proceeded to Durg for further investigation.The Mumbai Police team is expected to question the suspect thoroughly before transferring him to Mumbai. “The team will likely leave for Mumbai with the suspect by January 19,” said a senior officer. Inspector Shriram Meena and woman constable Nirmala led the operation.

 

The team checked general coach number 193317/SC and located the suspect, who matched the photograph provided by Mumbai Police. His identity was further verified via a video call with Mumbai Police officials. The suspect was then brought to the RPF post in Durg for preliminary questioning. Munawar Khursheed, Inspector General (IG), RPF SECR Zone, Bilaspur, elaborated on the operation, stating, “The Assistant Police Inspector from Juhu Police Station, Mumbai, shared crucial details, including the suspect’s photo and tower location. Based on this input, our team acted swiftly and ensured the suspect was detained safely.The verification process was conducted in coordination with Mumbai Police.” “During detention, the suspect was found in possession of a SIM card registered in the name of Rajendra Kodpe, a resident of Dongargarh. This is a significant lead that will be critical to advancing the investigation,” Khursheed added.