Was There a Sabotage Attempt on Kochi Railway Tracks?
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Synopsis
In Kochi, a heavy grinding stone found on railway tracks has raised alarms about a possible sabotage attempt, leading to a high-level investigation. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth behind this alarming incident.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy grinding stone found on Kochi railway tracks.
- Investigation involves multiple agencies.
- Incident occurred early Friday morning.
- Potential sabotage attempt raises safety concerns.
- Similar incidents reported across Kerala.
Kochi, Dec 5 (NationPress) An alleged plot to undermine train safety near the Pachalam bridge in Kochi, Kerala, was uncovered early Friday when a substantial grinding stone was found positioned directly on the railway tracks. This alarming discovery has initiated a comprehensive, high-level investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Kerala Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Railway Police, with central agencies likely to join the inquiry.
The incident took place on a significant day when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was present in Kochi, leading authorities to approach the situation with heightened urgency.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., the driver of the Mysuru-Kochuveli Express spotted the grinding stone on the tracks and promptly notified the RPF and Railway Police, which helped avert a potential disaster as the train passed over the stone without derailing.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing a group arrive in a jeep around 2 a.m. and heard sounds that resembled dragging and loud metallic clanging near a gate close by.
Authorities believe that the grinding stone was intentionally placed on the tracks after being moved from a nearby location where it was originally resting.
Adding to the enigma, a deceased dog was found in the vicinity, raising questions about whether it was hit by a train or linked to the sabotage attempt. Investigators are delving into CCTV footage from the area, while the stone has been removed and preserved as evidence.
Officials noted that the act of placing such a heavy object on the track suggests a deliberate and premeditated plan. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as there have been multiple similar sabotage attempts reported across Kerala over the past year. In Ottapalam, five iron clips were positioned on the tracks in another derailment attempt, while a concrete lid was placed on the tracks in Valapattanam, causing the Kochuveli-Bhavnagar Express to experience a violent jolt before the driver could stop the train.
Despite these alarming occurrences, law enforcement has yet to make significant progress in identifying the individuals responsible. Intelligence agencies have flagged the Valapattanam - Pappinissery route as a recurrent site for stone-throwing incidents, with some targeting the Vande Bharat Express.
Point of View
This incident in Kochi underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures on railway systems across the country. With a rising trend of sabotage attempts, it is imperative that authorities act swiftly to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain public trust in the railway network.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the Kochi railway tracks?
A heavy grinding stone was found placed on the railway tracks near the Pachalam bridge, prompting an investigation.
Who is involved in the investigation?
The investigation involves the Kerala Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Police, and may include central agencies.
What time did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. when the driver of the Mysuru-Kochuveli Express spotted the stone.
Have similar incidents occurred in Kerala?
Yes, there have been multiple sabotage attempts reported across Kerala over the past year.
What steps are being taken to ensure safety?
Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and have removed the stone for evidence to aid in the investigation.
