They were secured on suspicion from the 15th platform of the suburban railway station at MGR Central. The police found out that the accused targeted commuters carrying handbags in crowded areas and stole valuables by cutting the zip with a knife.

After the Railway police received several complaints of thefts, a special team was formed to nab the culprits. The police said that the gang would come to the city by train and return after stealing valuables.

The gang had stolen 39 sovereigns worth Rs 3.9 lakh from passenger V Kavitha of Hyderabad on November 28 last year when she was about to board Charminar Express to Puducherry, said inspector Velu, whose team nabbed the suspects. All five of them have been remanded injudicial custody.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!