Varkala train attack: Suresh Kumar attacked victim after she questioned him for smoking inside train, police collect evidence from railway station

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Kumar, who was arrested for pushing 19-year-old Sreekutty of Palode from a train in Varkala, was taken to Kottayam railway station for evidence collection. Police said Suresh had boarded the Kerala Express from Kottayam on the day of the incident. He explained the events to the police without showing any signs of remorse. Officers also collected evidence from the bar where he had gone to drink before boarding the train.

Yesterday, the Railway Police took Suresh Kumar into custody and brought him to the Cantonment Police Station, where he was questioned by senior officers. Though he cried and tried to say he was innocent, police pointed out the testimony of Archana — Sreekutty’s friend and an eyewitness. He then admitted to the events of the day and his role in the crime. After this, the police decided to collect evidence from the railway station and other places.

An identification parade was held at Poojappura Central Jail, where Archana identified Suresh as the attacker. A committee appointed by the Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate also attended the parade. Sreekutty, who was injured in the attack, is still undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital. There has been no improvement in the brain injury.

The incident happened on November 2. Sreekutty was travelling in the Kerala Express when she questioned Suresh for smoking inside the train. Suresh then kicked her out of the general compartment’s doorway. He also tried to push Archana, who was with Sreekutty. Hearing her screams, a man in a red shirt arrived, helped her, and overpowered the attacker. This rescuer has not been seen again by anyone from the train.