Arson on Kerala train: 18-member SIT to probe case; report says suspect identified as Noida man

However, South First could not independently confirm the report.

A man splashed petrol on passengers before lighting a fire in the D-1 coach of the Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express.

The train was approaching the bridge on Korappuzha after Kozhikode city around 9.30 pm on Sunday, 2 April, when the incident happened.

The incident sent shockwaves across the state and several politicians expressed their concern over the safety and security of railway passengers.

No arrests so far

The police earlier expressed suspicion that the man could be from North India. The incident seemed to be pre-planned since he was carrying petrol in a bottle in his bag.

A case of murder has been registered, police said. No arrests have been made, sources said.

The bodies of a woman, an infant, and a man, who went missing from the train after the fire, were recovered from the tracks near the Elathur railway station, late on Sunday night.

The police said they might have fallen off the train or attempted to alight to escape the fire. “A forensic team inspected the place where the bodies were found,” the police said.

A bag, believed to be that of the suspect, too, was recovered from the tracks. It had a bottle of petrol.

“Besides the bottle, there were no other clues in the bag. It is not believed to be an act of terror. There is no information or links regarding it now,” the police said.

A Railway Police officer said that some other agencies, too, were also looking into the incident to ascertain if it had any terror links.

“No other details can be shared now. The investigation is going on,” the officer said.

Earlier, the police released a sketch of the suspect. The police also requested to pass any information on him over the number 121.

DGP supervising the probe: Chief Minister

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the police have been instructed to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

He said the police were actively trying to track down the attacker and the probe was being supervised by the state police chief, DGP Anil Kant.

Vijayan further said the state government would initiate strong measures to ensure the safety of rail passengers.

“The Ministry of Railways will be requested to take all possible steps regarding passenger safety,” he said in a statement.

The chief minister also condoled the death of three persons: Rahmath Monikoth (45), her two-year-old niece Sahara Bathul, and a man, Naufeeq KP (40).

He said it was sad and shocking to hear about the loss of three lives, including that of a baby, and the burns suffered by the passengers.

KPCC chief writes to Union minister

South First contacted Kannur MP and KPCC president for his comments, but he was unavailable due to other engagements.

However, Sudhakaran’s private secretary shared a letter the MP wrote to the Union minister for Railways.

The letter sought urgent intervention of the minister in the matter, and compensation for victims. He also urged the minister to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers.

“This incident is deeply concerning, and I believe it raises serious questions about the safety and security of passengers traveling on trains in our country,” he said in the letter.

“It is a matter of great urgency that an immediate and thorough inquiry is conducted to determine how such a horrific incident could have taken place and what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” the letter read.

“The passengers and their families who were affected by this tragedy deserve nothing less than justice. I would also like to urge you to ensure that adequate compensation is provided to the families of the deceased and to those who were injured in this incident,” the MP demanded.

He also sought the government to ensure that citizens are safe while using public transport and cited Sunday’s incident highlighting the need for urgent action to improve the safety and security of train passengers.

Minister visits families of the deceased

Kerala Minister for Railways, Wakf, and Pilgrimage V Abdurahiman visited the Mattannur natives who were killed.

Talking to reporters in Kannur, Abdurahiman ensured a thorough investigation. He also said the Railways is responsible for the passengers’ security.

Ahammed Devarkovil, State Minister of Ports and an MLA from Kozhikode South constituency termed the incident tragic and shocking.

He said that according to information received, the assailant seemed to aged around 25.

Former Leader of Opposition in the state assembly and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said there was a need to augment security in trains. He wanted everyone to be frisked before allowing them to board the trains.

“It will be unfortunate if people cannot travel safely in trains. This is an unprecedented incident. The state and central governments should take up the issue seriously,” he said.

Chennithala also claimed that the incident was an example of the ineffectiveness of the Railway Police Force (RPF).

“The incident should open our eyes to the need for increased security in trains,” he added.

No burns on bodies

Earlier in the day, Railway police said some of the injured had suffered 50 percent burns, but their condition was stable.

The bodies found on the tracks did not have any burns, it said.

(With PTI inputs)