KOCHI: It is learned that two persons had written terror threats on the Metro train bogies and had infiltrated through a drain under the wall. The two were wearing pants and shit but their face and the color of the clothes are not clear.

The intrusion into the yard took place on May 22 at 3:30 p.m. The drain is barely large enough to crawl on. Arriving at the back, they managed to bypass the iron fence that had been erected to prevent people from trespassing. They arrived straight at the shed where the trains were parked. The parking bay is located about half a kilometer behind the main building of the 45-acre yard.

After spending about an hour in the shed without being seen by the cameras, they wrote 'Blast, first hit in Kochi' in three bogies using spray paint in violet and green. In a bogie, the word 'play' is written instead of 'blast'. It was written while standing on the tracks between two trains. After completing this, they went out through the drain. They might have a clear idea of ​​the place.

Security lapse

The assessment is that there was a serious breach in the security of the Muttam yard where the Metro's control systems are functioning.

There are not enough CCTV cameras in the parking bay or in the shed. Only cleaning staff and technicians from coach manufacturer Alstom were on duty. SIAC, a private agency, is tasked with security. Most of their employees are from other states.

The State Industrial Security Force (SISF), which is part of the Kerala Police and is fully responsible for the security of the Metro, is confined to the main building. There was only one person on duty at the time of the incident.

Three people were questioned

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Kerala Police reached the spot and conducted an investigation. Central agencies are also evaluating the case.

Three were questioned by the Metro police on the same day. Statements of those working in the parking bay were also collected. Police are checking CCTV cameras in the yard and in the backyard. Kochi Deputy Commissioner VU Kuriakose is leading the investigation. Kochi Metro Rail Limited is also conducting an internal investigation.