Elderly couple among 3 passengers drugged on Saryu Express by 'poisoning gang'; 1 critical on oxygen support

SULTANPUR: Three passengers, including an elderly couple, were allegedly drugged by a gang aboard the Saryu Express, officials said on Tuesday.The incident took place on Monday night. The victims were later found unconscious and admitted to a hospital, authorities added.Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Ram Kumar Verma identified the passengers as Hriday Nand Chaube (84), his wife Shaila Devi (76), and Anil Chaube (40), all residents of Kalyanpur in Bihar’s Champaran district.They were travelling from Prayagraj to Ayodhya on the Saryu Express when they reportedly fell victim to a suspected poisoning gang.When the train reached Sultanpur, co-passengers alerted the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The train was halted briefly, and the three victims were deboarded and rushed to a government medical college by ambulance, where they were admitted for treatment.Officials said the victims were identified through tickets and Aadhaar cards found in their possession. Doctors have initiated treatment, and Hriday Nand Chaube has been placed on oxygen support, with his condition reported to be serious.Efforts are underway to inform the victims’ family members, officials added.RPF Inspector Ram Kumar Verma said details about where and how the incident occurred would become clear only after the victims regain consciousness.(With agency inputs)