Train arson: NIA-ATS get clear hints of terror links

PALAKKAD/KOZHIKODE: Suspicion of terrorism-related planning and conspiracy behind the arson on the Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express train has gained strength.

The investigators believe that the statement of Shahrukh's relatives in Shaheen Bagh and his phone calls and chats from 2021, reaching Shornur from Shaheen Bagh and choosing the petrol pump there all point to a bigger plan.

Shahrukh Saifi doesn't seem to have any mental problems according to his relatives. He was generally a noisy man and had been a recluse for two years. But he began to have contact with outsiders and became more devoted to religious matters. All this is seen as a sign of connection with external forces. NIA-ATS assesses that the evidence so far points to a terrorist link. The police will hand over the case to the NIA if the terrorist link becomes stronger during the interrogation.

Arrinval in Sambark Kranti Express

Shah Rukh reached Shornoor on 1st April at 3.10 pm on Sambark Kranti Express. From there, he hired an auto and went to an Indian Oil pump, which was one kilometer, and bought petrol. The pump staff said that he bought four litres of petrol in two cans. Camera footage of him buying petrol was obtained from the pump. He went back to the railway station in the same auto.

This auto is yet to be found. It is a mystery as to where Shahrukh went a night and the subsequent day after buying the petrol. Footage of him boarding the executive express at 7pm on Sunday with two cans of petrol has also been collected.

Local help

It is assumed that Shah Rukh, who came to Kerala for the first time, got local help to go to Shornur and call an auto to go to the petrol pump. If the attack was to be carried out on the Kozhikode train, there is no need to go to Shornur. There are several pumps near Kozhikode railway station.

Choosing the D-1 coach for attack is even more mysterious. There is an AC compartment at the back of D-1 coach. AC coaches with curtains etc can make the fire even worse. It would have happened as the train crosses a bridge. The depth of the accident will be indescribable. If a young carpenter from Shaheen Bagh had done this much, there would have been big forces behind him.

Doubts arise

1-Why did go to Shornur for the attack in Kozhikode?
2-Why did go a kilometre away to buy petrol?
3-Why did he attack as the train approached Korapuzha bridge?
4- Where the planning took place, why and who is behind it?