KOCHI: Railway authorities are shocked after 150 batteries were stolen in the middle of the night. A search was launched for the batteries that were transported by pick-up vans in the middle of the night. The theft took place at Ponnurunni marshalling yard, one of the high-security areas of Southern Railway. Batteries worth Rs 10 lakh were stolen. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) registered the case and intensified the investigation.

The batteries removed from various trains due to age were piled up on the roadside near Kathrikadavu - Kadavanthra section in the marshalling yard for some time. Although there is a suspicion that people with clear knowledge may be behind it, investigators are focusing on the people who collect scrap as well.

The RPF got the crucial clue that the batteries were being transported in the pickup van from the CCTV footage. Efforts to locate the vehicle are in progress. CCTV footage has been collected of the routes taken by the pickup. RPF SP is leading the investigation.

Namesake security only

Ponnurunni marshalling yard is a strategic area but there is no security as such here. Many iron materials are stored on both sides of the yard. Anyone can get through this because there is no checking.

Rechargeable battery

Advanced types of batteries are used to supply power to electric appliances like fans and lights in the train. The batteries installed in a large iron box under the bogies are automatically recharged when the train is running.