THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Police, which imposes UAPA even for writing articles and hanging posters, is playing hide and seek without imposing it on the accused Shahrukh Saifi in the Kozhikode train fire case that killed three people. The police said that they have not received any clue from the accused. There is no progress in the investigation even 10 days after the attack and it is indicated that this may leave the planners and accomplices with enough time to leave the country.

UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) can be imposed if railways, ports, and industrial establishments are attacked or if their normal functioning is obstructed. NIA will take over the case if UAPA is imposed. The NIA has informed the central government that behind Shahrukh Saifi's arrival in Kerala and setting fire to the Alappuzha-Kannur train, planning took place from the accused's native place Delhi to Kerala. There are limitations for the police in finding those connections and arresting the accomplices. Police are still investigating at Shornoor without handing over the case despite understanding this.

• Who's idea was the fire?
• Who was with him when he burnt the train?
• Who saved him?
• What is the real intention?

The special investigation team of the police has not been able to find answers to any of these questions.

Links in Kerala that are hiding in plain sight

1. If Shahrukh reached Shornur at 4:49 am on the 2nd, where did he stay till he boarded the train at 7:19 pm?
2. Who provided the homemade food (including Chakka Puzhukku) in the bag received from the track?
3. Who was with him on the burned train?
4. Who pulled the chain and stopped the train?
5. Who gave him new clothes after losing the bag?
6. Who hid him in Kannur and took him to Maharashtra by train?

If UAPA is imposed

• Can be detained for up to 180 days according to section 43D (2).
• Bail is not granted without the permission of the prosecution.
• Arrests and raids do not require a warrant.
• Can be declared terrorists.
• A life sentence can be ensured.

Article and poster under UAPA offense

• Case against People's March editor Govindankutty for writing an article in 2007.
• Case against two CPM workers in Kozhikode for distributing leaflets in 2019.
• Case in 10 stations for putting up posters against government and police.
• Case filed against writer Kamal Chavara for insulting national anthem.
• Case against social activist Nadir for alleged Maoist links.

(Last two cases were dropped later )

UAPA Cases

2011-16---------137

2016-21----------145

...................................

2014-----30

2015-----35

2016-----36

2017-----04

2018-----17

2019-----25

2020-----24