Vadodara: A special court in Vadodara has ordered 12-day police remand for three accused arrested in a case registered under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GUJCTOC) at the Godhra Railway Police Station.

The accused, namely Shahnawaz Mustafa alias Ghulam Sheikh, Salim alias Thuthio Rehman Sheikh, and Shokat alias Saburiyo Iqbal Bakkar, are alleged to be active members of the “Signal Phalia Gang”, known for targeting trains and passengers.

According to police, the gang tampered with railway signalling systems by placing metal pieces inside the signal’s electrical box to change green signals to red, forcing trains to halt. The accused would then carry out crimes such as looting passengers and chain snatching.

Officials said at least 62 serious offences have been registered against the gang, including theft of railway property, assault on police personnel, and illegal beef trafficking.

Investigators further revealed that accused Salim alias Thuthio, who lost his left hand while committing railway theft at the age of 19–20, allegedly trained his sons, Hassan, Hussain, and Yasin, in similar criminal activities targeting trains.

Police said custodial interrogation is underway to trace the stolen property and identify other members of the gang who may still be absconding. Further investigation is in progress. DeshGujarat