Pune: In a heartwarming display of honesty and diligence, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Pune successfully recovered and returned a lost bag containing valuables worth ₹3.74 lakh, under their ongoing “Operation Amanat” initiative.
The incident unfolded on April 12, 2025, when the Duty Station Control Room (DSCR) received a report that Ms. Babita Mahadev Sonawane, a passenger traveling aboard Train No. 18520 from Pune to Solapur, had mistakenly left behind her red handbag near the AC coach area on Platform No. 6 at Pune Station.
Upon receiving the call, SIPF S.D. Mohbe swiftly assigned HC Milind Ingle, who was on platform duty, to locate the missing bag. HC Ingle promptly arrived at the scene, found the bag as described, and secured it at the RPF Pune Post.
After getting in touch with Ms. Sonawane, who was already on her way to Solapur, she confirmed that the bag contained cash and gold jewelry. Since she had already left, Ms. Sonawane authorized her brother, Mr. Dattatraya Mahadev Sonawane, to collect the bag on her behalf.
Mr. Dattatraya arrived at the RPF post, where he verified his identity and confirmed the ownership of the bag. In the presence of two independent witnesses, the bag was opened, and its contents were confirmed as follows:
Gold bangle (10g) – ₹70,000
Three pairs of gold earrings (5g total) – ₹49,000
Gold medal (5g) – ₹21,000
Gold coins and medals (5g) – ₹35,000
Gold ring (3g) – ₹21,000
Gold mangalsutra with pendant (5g) – ₹35,000
Om pendant (1g) – ₹7,000
Cash – ₹1,36,500
Other items – dry fruits, clothes, and medicines
The total value of the recovered items was ₹3,74,500.
RPF Pune ensured the safe return of the items to Mr. Dattatraya Sonawane, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the force’s integrity and swift action. The incident was officially recorded in the RPF daily logbook under Entry No. 43 at 15:20 hrs on April 12, 2025.
The Pune Division has lauded the efforts of HC Milind Ingle, emphasizing the role of RPF personnel in upholding public trust and service. This incident is yet another example of the RPF’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and security under the “Operation Amanat” initiative.
