Varkala train attack: Accused booked for attempt to murder; condition of injured girl critical

Thiruvananthapuram: A 19-year-old girl remains in critical condition after being pushed out of a moving train by a drunk passenger near Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, hospital authorities confirmed on Monday.

Sreekutty, a native of Palode, suffered severe head, abdominal, and limb injuries and is currently on a ventilator in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Doctors said she remains unconscious and under 48-hour observation due to internal bleeding, though slight improvement has been noted.

Kerala Express journey turns tragic

The incident occurred on Sunday night shortly after the Kerala Express departed from Varkala railway station. Sreekutty and her friend Archana were travelling in the unreserved coach from Aluva to Thiruvananthapuram when the accused, identified as Suresh Kumar of Panachamoodu, allegedly attacked them.

According to police, Kumar, who appeared intoxicated, pushed Sreekutty out of the moving train as the two women emerged from the toilet. Passengers pulled the emergency chain to stop the train and alerted both the police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials.

Rescue efforts and hospital transfer

A search team later found Sreekutty lying on the tracks about two kilometres from Varkala station. She was first taken by a MEMU train to Varkala railway station and rushed to a nearby private hospital. Given her critical condition, she was later shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where she continues to receive intensive care.

Witness account and police action

Archana told reporters at Kochuveli station that both she and Sreekutty were attacked without provocation.

“He kicked her out of the train and then tried to pull me down as well, but I managed to escape after other passengers pulled me up,” she said.

Police confirmed that Kumar was detained by RPF personnel at Kochuveli station and handed over to the Railway Police.

A case of attempt to murder has been registered against him. Police said his arrest will be formally recorded following the preliminary witness identification process.