Tamil Nadu train robbery: Thieves target Chennai-bound Salem Express with Rs 342 crore onboard

An express train carrying Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Rs 342 crore was robbed on its way to Chennai from Salem on Monday night, reported The Times of India. [caption id=“attachment_2125079” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] According to  DNA,  the robbery was discovered when the Salem Express reached Chennai on Tuesday at 3:55 am. The cash was being transported in 226 boxes which were to be handed over to the RBI. The authorities are yet to officially confirm the actual amount that’s missing or identify the culprits, The New Indian Express  reported. However, CNN News18 estimated the loss at Rs 5.78 crore. According to Business Standard, the robbers drilled a hole in the roof of the coach which had the boxes. Officials found that two boxes had been tampered with. However, The New Indian Express stated that it was unclear how the thieves managed to drill the hole when several security personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police, were guarding the boxes. The case will be investigated by the Railway Protection Force. The train is currently stationed at the Egmore railway station in Chennai, reported DNA.