'First blast in Kochi': Shocking writings on Metro train in yard, case of sedition registered secretly

KOCHI: An unidentified person infiltrated the Kochi Metro Yard, a high security area, and wrote 'first blast in Kochi' on the outside of a train named 'Pampa', raising suspicions and challenges to the central and state governments. On May 22, a threatening message was written in Englishon the outside of a train parked in the yard with multi-coloured spray paint. A case of sedition has been registered but the incident has been kept secret. The writings on all three bogies of the train are inscribed with the Metro logo. This service of this train has been suspendeded.

Kochi City Police and Metro officials have not commented on the matter. Metro police have registered an FIR. The investigation is being overseen by senior police officials.

Muttam Metro Yard is located on the Ernakulam - Aluva route between Muttam Station and Ambattukavu Station on a 45 acre land. After service, all trains will be brought to the yard and inspected daily.

There is also a barbed wire fence around the 10 feet high wall around the yard. Adjacent to the yard are two flats with staff quarters.

The heart of the metro

The operation control room, automatic train control system and power substation are located in the metro yard. There are 24-hour staff.

Written at night

1. It may have been written at night, after the end of the service. There is no time to write such a long message as the service only stops at the stations for minutes.

2. It is not easy to get in and out of the yard without being seen by security guards or cameras. It is also suspected that any of the employees were involved.

3. You can walk to the yard from the platform of the nearest station. The platform is completely under camera surveillance. The yard is guarded by 12 armed policemen.

4. The State Industrial Security Force, part of the Kerala Police, is responsible for the security of the metro system, including the yard. There are 215 force members in the metro.

25 trains

There are 25 trains with three bogies in service. Each is named after the rivers Periyar, Pampa, Kabani, Ganga, Krishna and Nila.