Threat message on metro train: investigation focuses on Italians arrested in Ahmedabad

KOCHI: It is suspected that the Italians, who were caught for painting graffiti on the Ahmedabad metro station, before its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are involved in a similar incident in Kochi. The Metro police team investigating the case in Kochi is in touch with the Ahmedabad Police. If the arrested persons or their group have any connection with the Kochi case, then the investigation team will immediately travel to Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Crime Branch has not handed over more information to Kochi Metro Police.

On Friday night, four Italians spray-painted the word 'TAS' on a coach at the Ahmedabad Apparel Park Metro station. Their arrest was recorded on Saturday. The Ahmedabad police suspect that their group painted the graffitti in Kochi as well. The Italians explained that they did it just for fun. Ahmedabad Crime Branch is investigating the case. The group came to India from Dubai on a visiting visa. Before reaching Ahmedabad on Wednesday, they had also visited Mumbai.

'First Blast in Kochi' was written on a coach of the Pampa train in the Aluva yard of the Kochi Metro in May. The police did not get any clue about the people behind this. A similar incident took place in Bengaluru and Chennai metros earlier. Despite checking lakhs of phone calls, the investigation has not progressed.