Kozhikode: Incidents of passengers getting injured by stone pelting at trains happen occasionally. But recently, a passenger standing on the platform was injured after someone inside a train threw a glass bottle out. Three such cases were reported in October alone.

On October 12, stones were thrown at the Mangaluru–Chennai Superfast Express while it was halted between Kozhikode and Vellayil stations, shattering a window. The culprit, a Tamil Nadu native, was later arrested. Two days later, on October 14, a brick was thrown at the Chennai–Mangaluru West Coast Superfast Express between Feroke and Kallayi, injuring VJ Shiby, a passenger from Kasaragod, on his ear. Then, on the evening of October 19, Adithyan, a native of Perambra, was injured when a glass piece was thrown from inside the train — the first known incident of its kind.

RPF officials said it is difficult to trace the coach from where such objects are thrown as trains are running at high speed. Offenders can only be identified if co-passengers report the act. In some cases, people might have thrown objects carelessly, without realising the risk. Officials urged fellow passengers to stop anyone engaging in such acts.

This year alone, the Vande Bharat Express has been attacked with stones at least three times. On April 17 near Uppala station and on September 25 at Kalamassery, passengers were injured in such attacks. Two Plus Two students who pelted stones at Kalamassery were caught by the RPF.

Authorities said most offenders caught for stone pelting were under the influence of drugs or involved in anti-social behaviour. Some cases involved children acting out of curiosity. Even high-speed trains like Vande Bharat are often targeted for no reason. Many culprits are traced using CCTV footage or local people complaining.

Officials said that only public awareness can curb such acts. Campaigns are being held using banners, boards, and announcements to spread awareness.

“I didn’t understand anything — my hands were full of blood…”

AV Adithyan (21) of Nocchad, Adiyodi House, Perambra, had gone to Kannur on Sunday for physical training as part of PSC preparation. Returning by train, he got off at the second platform of Koyilandy station. While walking towards the first platform to exit, the Porbandar Express — which doesn’t stop at Koyilandy — sped past the track.

“It felt like a heavy blow to my face. I didn’t understand anything. I just covered my face — my hands were full of blood,” Adithyan told his friends later. Though he asked for help from bystanders, no one came forward. His friends rushed to the spot after a phone call and took him first to Vadakara Hospital, and later to Kozhikode Medical College.

He received seven stitches below his lip, lost two teeth completely, and one tooth was fractured. According to his friend Shiju, the dental doctor advised further treatment once the wounds heal.