KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a phatka (stick or object) in an attempt to snatch his mobile phone. The impact caused Nikam to lose balance and fall from the train, resulting in his left leg being severed under the wheels.

Even as he lay writhing in pain, the accused, a 16-year-old, approached him, snatched the phone and Rs 20k in cash from his pocket. When he resisted, he was assaulted. Some passersby informed the Kalyan GRP, which rushed to the spot. Nikam was later admitted to the Railway Hospital in Kalyan for treatment. Kalyan GRP formed three separate teams and detained the minor accused from Irani Pada in Ambivli. Pandari Kande, senior police inspector of Kalyan GRP, said they have registered an offence under section 307 (dealing with theft after preparation for causing death, hurt, or restraint) and 309 (4) (punishment for robbery) of BNS. Irani Pada, situated adjacent to Ambivli railway station's tracks, is notorious for theft and chain-snatching incidents. GRP sources indicated that previous arrests of local offenders had temporarily halted such crimes, but incidents have recently resumed.