Police open fire to thwart robbery attempt on Chennai-Vijayawada train in Bapatla

The police opened fire and discharged nine rounds to thwart a robbery attempt aboard the Chennai-Vijayawada Sarkar Express after unidentified persons allegedly pulled the emergency chain and forced the train to stop near Appikatla railway station in Bapatla district in the early hours of Monday (June 15, 2026). It was the second such incident in the district in recent times in which security personnel opened fire.

Briefing the media after inspecting the site between Bapatla and Appikatla railway stations, Bapatla Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar Rao said the incident occurred around 1.10 a.m. near K.V. Palem.

More than seven unidentified persons allegedly pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt before attempting to target passengers, the Superintendent of Police said. The train’s escort personnel and railway staff alerted the Appikatla station master, who informed the local police. Armed Reserve personnel reached the spot and confronted the suspects.

“When police opened fire, the miscreants fled the scene fearing for their lives,” the SP said.

The police and railway personnel launched searches in nearby villages and along the tracks, and 10 special teams were formed to trace those involved. Mr. Umamaheswar Rao said one suspect had been detained in the Bapatla town area for questioning, and efforts were continuing to identify and apprehend the others.