The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is investigating a suspected attempt to derail a train in Keralam after concrete slabs, a piece of rail and caked cement were found on railway tracks at three locations in Palakkad district on October 20. A Bihar native, identified as Shuk Lal Maria, has been taken into custody for questioning.
The materials were found on the railway tracks between 10.30 am and 11.30 am at Mannannoor, Karakkad and A-Cabin, according to reports. The discovery has raised concerns over a possible attempt to cause a train derailment.
Shuk Lal Maria, reportedly a native of Bihar, was found under suspicious circumstances when RPF personnel examined the locations where the materials had been discovered. He is being interrogated, while the investigation continues to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The RPF is examining how the materials were brought onto the railway tracks and whether others were involved. The force has not disclosed Maria’s suspected role in the incident.
The discovery assumes significance amid concerns over threats to railway safety. Had the materials remained undetected, they could potentially have caused a serious accident, with potentially fatal consequences. However, the investigation is yet to establish whether the incident was a deliberate attempt to derail a train.
Keralam has also witnessed incidents of stone-pelting at Vande Bharat Express trains in the past. Such incidents have reportedly occurred five to six times. Ordinary trains have also been targeted by miscreants, with passengers sustaining injuries from stones entering through open windows.
