KOZHIKODE: The interrogation of Shahrukh Saifi, a native of Noida, who is in custody in the case of setting fire to a train at Elathur in Kozhikode, is continuing. A special squad has been formed under the leadership of ADGP M R Ajith Kumar. However, the police have not yet confirmed whether the person in custody named Saifi is the real accused.

The incident that shocked the country happened on the Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express at Elathur in Kozhikode on Sunday night at around 9:30 pm. The accused disappeared after pouring petrol on the passengers in the running train after setting them on fire.

Shahrukh Saifi, a native of Noida, who was living in Kozhikode and working as a carpenter, is suspected to be behind the crime. This has not been confirmed by the investigation team. DGP Anil Kant has hinted that some information has been received about the accused and that he will be arrested soon.

The sketch of the accused was prepared and the investigation was progressing based on the information given by an eyewitness. Parallel to this, central investigation agencies have also come. NIA, Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are investigating. A four-member team of the NIA had reached Kozhikode and collected information on the instructions of the union home ministry. The NIA will take over the investigation if there is any indication of terrorist links behind the planned attack. The union home and railway ministries have asked the Kerala Police information of investigation. The manner of central investigation will be clear only after receiving state’s report.

The DGP formed an 18-member special investigation team under the leadership of Malappuram Crime Branch SP P Vikraman. Anti-Terrorism Force DySP Baiju Paulose, Kozhikode Town Assistant Commissioner P Bijuraj and Tanur DySP V V Benny are included in the team. The investigation will be under the supervision of the law-and-order department ADGP.