Alappuzha-Kannur Executive train underwent a horrible attack on March 2 night. An attacker poured petrol on the passengers and set fire, and escaped. It is reported that he left a bag behind, which contained two bottles of petrol, a book containing daily routine, penned in English and Hindi and names of six cities. A name, ‘Sharuq Sheik Carpenter,’ is repeatedly scribbled on it.
There are unconfirmed reports that the suspect is Noida-native Shahrukh Saifi, and he has been doing a carpentry job in Kozhikode. Police tried to spot him with the help of the sketch prepared based on the reports that one bloke had visited Kannur District Hospital for treating his burn injuries.
Rahmath from Pappinissery, her sister’s daughter Suhra and Mattannur-native Noufiq are the passengers found dead. Their dead bodies were found in the railway track. Prima facie, it looks like they were frightened by the fire; hence they jumped from the train.
The incident occurred at Elathoor, Kozhikode. When the train left Elathoor station, the attacker moved from Coach D1 to Coach D2 with two bottles of petrol. The compartment was not crowded. So, the passengers were scattered in different seats. He poured the fuel on the passengers and set fire. When the flames rose, the passengers screamed loudly and pulled the stop chain. During this confusion, the attacker escaped. D1 Coach stopped on the bridge across Korappuzha. Naturally, it was impossible for the passengers to get out of the compartments. The frightened passengers ran to the back end of the train. The train was started again and moved forward and stopped near a road so that the people with burns could be transferred to the ambulances. The dead bodies were found by 2 am. Eight people are undergoing treatment for serious burn injuries.
The attacker’s bag also contained an earphone cover, two mobile phones, a tiffin box with food, a purse, a T-Shirt, a towel, spectacles, peanut sweets, etc. The investigation officers informed that the articles would be sent for scientific examinations. One phone reportedly carries a Delhi number, but it has been switched off since March 31. The place names such as Chirayinkeezh, Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Kulachal, Kanyakumari are scribbled in the book recovered from the bag; all in and around Thiruvananthapuram.
The attacker wore a red shirt and a black cap, the passengers said. Anti-Terrorism Squad has reached Elathoor for investigation. There is an unconfirmed but widespread belief that it was a terrorist attack, or at least a test dose for a larger operation. Maoist design is suspected too. State Police Chief (SPC) DGP Anil Kanth IPS has air-dashed to the spot and heading the investigations, etc. Crime Branch ADGP is on the way.
There are reports that NIA has started investigations. Meanwhile, there are reports that Union Home Ministry is all set to conduct investigations. The Ministry of Railway has sought information too.
All agencies try to find out the terrorist root of the attack.
