Varkala train attack: Railway police searching for key witness

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Railway Police are searching for the key witness in the Varkala train incident, where a girl was pushed from a moving train. They are looking for the man in a red shirt who rescued the injured Sreekutty’s friend and overpowered the attacker, Suresh. CCTV footage has captured his image, which helped investigators identify his role.

The incident took place last Sunday on the Kerala Express. The accused, Suresh Kumar, allegedly kicked Sreekutty out of the train near the door of the general compartment after being questioned for smoking. He also tried to push Sreekutty’s friend Archana out. Hearing Archana’s screams, the man in the red shirt rushed to the spot, rescued her, and subdued the assailant. However, after the incident, no passengers saw the rescuer again. When the police reviewed CCTV footage, they found visuals of the man who risked his life to save the girl. CCTV recordings from Kochuveli railway station were also checked, but he was not seen there. The railway police have requested anyone who knows this man to come forward. They also plan to honour him for his bravery.

Meanwhile, the police have found evidence that the accused Suresh Kumar was heavily drunk before boarding the train. He had consumed alcohol at a bar near Kottayam railway station. Police have sought the magistrate court’s permission to conduct a test identification parade at the jail. Further interrogation and evidence collection will follow.

Meanwhile, to improve passenger safety, the Kerala Railway Police have launched a new monitoring program. Using breath analysers, officers will check passengers at railway stations and inside trains. Legal action will be taken against anyone found entering platforms or trains under the influence of alcohol, said SP Shahansha of the Railway Police.