Woman Critical After Being Pushed Out of Moving Train Near Varkala

Thiruvananthapuram: A 19-year-old woman who was pushed out of a moving train by a drunk passenger near Varkala remains in a critical condition, hospital authorities said on Monday.

The victim, Sreekutty from Palode near Thiruvananthapuram, was travelling with her friend Archana in the unreserved coach of the Kerala Express from Aluva to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday night when the incident took place.

Police have identified the accused as Suresh Kumar, a resident of Panachamoodu in Vellarada. He has been taken into custody, and his arrest will be recorded after the completion of the witness identification process.

According to police, Suresh Kumar has confessed to the crime. During questioning, he claimed that he kicked the girl out of anger as she did not move away from the train door.

Sreekutty, who sustained severe head and abdominal injuries, is undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Hospital authorities said that while there is some improvement, her condition continues to be critical. A team of doctors will review her case again before deciding on surgery.

The incident occurred shortly after the Kerala Express left Varkala railway station around 8.30 pm. When Sreekutty and her friend came out of the toilet, the accused, who was standing near the door, allegedly pushed her out of the moving train.

Passengers pulled the emergency chain and alerted the police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials. A search was launched, and Sreekutty was found lying on the tracks about two kilometres from Varkala station.

She was first brought to Varkala railway station in a MEMU train and then shifted to a nearby private hospital. As her condition was critical, she was later moved to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

RPF personnel intercepted the accused at Kochuveli station and handed him over to the Railway Police.

Archana, the victim’s friend, told reporters at Kochuveli station that both of them were attacked without any provocation. “He kicked her out of the train and tried to pull me down as well, but other passengers managed to pull me up,” she said.

Police said the accused was intoxicated at the time of the incident. A case of attempt to murder has been registered against him.