Body placed on non-operational track in Vyttila; murder committed following argument, accused taken into custody

KOCHI: A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the discovery of a young woman’s body near the railway tracks at Vyttila. The accused, identified as Shaji, was arrested by the Maradu police following an investigation based on CCTV footage. Police said that Shaji and the woman were known to each other. An argument reportedly broke out between them at the location, after which he allegedly assaulted her, killed her, and later dumped the body onto the railway track.

According to investigators, the body was placed on the track to make the death appear as a suicide. However, the body was found on a non-operational rail line on the Ernakulam–Kottayam route, which raised immediate suspicion of foul play. Police believe the accused may not have realised that the track was not in use. Further details are expected to emerge after his interrogation.

Earlier, the investigation focused on a mobile phone recovered near the body. The phone was identified as belonging to Sudha Baby, a native of Kottayam, and police have reportedly confirmed that she is the victim.

The body was first noticed this morning when a loco pilot informed the police station after seeing it near the track. Police reached the spot and confirmed that the death was not caused by a train accident. Injuries and marks were found on the woman’s face and other parts of her body. A sticker from a clothing store in the city was also found on the dress she was wearing. After confirming it was a murder, police intensified the probe, focusing on CCTV footage.