A history-sheeter on bail was arrested in a joint operation of the railway police and crime branch for allegedly stealing cash and jewellery cumulatively worth Rs 40 lakh from an elderly couple onboard the Indore-Daund Express, a police officer said on Monday.

Mahesh Ghag alias Vicky was held from Chiplun for the theft that took place on Thursday, the officer said, adding that stolen valuables were recovered from his house. The victims, a 73-year-old woman and her husband, were travelling from Indore to Lonavala, the police said.

“The woman realised she had been robbed when the train reached Kalyan station on Friday. She had placed the bag containing pearl necklaces, diamond-studded bangles, rings, gold watches, chains and cash beneath her pillow. After she approached us, teams of the Kalyan railway police and Mumbai Crime Branch began a probe,” the officer said.